DJ Graffiti: It's Official 'Bling Free Vol. 3: ' album

Heralded by many as the "Underground Hiphop Mixtape King of Michigan", DJ Graffiti returns with Volume 3 of his Bling Free Mixed Compilation Series. Bling Free Volume 3 is subtitled, "It's Official", because it is a licensed commercial release! 72 minutes of continuous audio, and a track listing of new and exclusive songs that reads like a "who's who" of Underground Hiphop (see back for track listing), Bling Free Vol. 3 will undoubtedly open many eyes to the world of DJ Graffiti.

DJ Graffiti has become an icon in Michigan's underground Hip Hop community by creating mixed compilations with an uncompromising level of quality. "My goal is to create projects that sound better, look more professional and reach farther than those currently available," he explains. "It's not about competition, but I know that if my focus is always on bringing something improved to the table, I won't be taking steps backwards."

Furthering his trademark motto, "Keep Quality Hip Hop Alive", Graffiti returns with Bling Free Volume 3. Volume 3 is subtitled "It's Official" because it is more than your average mixtape - it is a licensed compilation project with International distribution. The project showcases new and exclusive material from many of today's most talented underground Hip Hop artists. Building upon the critical acclaim of his earlier offerings, Bling Free Volume 3 maintains the theme of featuring talent in lieu of gimmicks, exploring a range of musical depth that is greatly expanded beyond the level of Volumes 1 and 2.

A jazz percussionist by trade, Graffiti has performed in the world renowned Montreaux Detroit Jazz Festival. By building upon his classically trained musical foundation and strong scholastic background, the Ann Arbor native has developed proficient skills in many areas of Hip Hop. Aside from being a prolific club and performing deejay, he is also a producer, emcee, journalist and an alumnus of both the University of Michigan Business and Law Schools. Additionally, he is the tour deejay for Detroit emcee Phat Kat, and the two are gearing up for an International tour to promote Phat Kat's new album.

Graffiti's fusion of professional and creative skills helped to shape his inspiration for the third tier in his Bling Free series. "Right now, most of the major influences on the Hip Hop generation are fed corporately from the outside," he explains. "Ultimately, I envision a Hip Hop community that is extremely self-sufficient. We will have a united front of individuals who were born into Hip Hop culture - Hip Hop lawyers, Hip Hop doctors, Hip Hop teachers and Hip Hop owners all working together. I feel all of the different things I do are necessary for moving the current state of Hip Hop toward a point where it is Bling Free. That's where it shines on its own."

In 2004 Graffiti plans to offer at least two more releases on his Bling Free imprint. The first will be a mixed compilation entitled Blitz, featuring DJ Graffiti paired with battle veteran DJ Virus. Aside from project releases and touring, Graffiti is poised to expand his marketing conglomerate Rapture Enterprises LLC (the parent company of Bling Free Records) into the area of Entertainment Brokerage. "All of these companies want a piece of Hip Hop. I think it's time we decide which pieces they can have, and which they can't."

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DJ Graffiti: It's Official - Bling Free Vol. 3: