It's Official! The Academy Announces 1st Wave of DJs

Photo Credit: DJ Blak Magic

(AllHipHopNews) An underground buzz has been brewing in the music industry for the past few weeks with the number one question being “What is The Academy?”

Don Cannon (VP A&R Def Jam Records) opened a private press conference by the trio, by explaining the meaning of the new institution. “The Academy is an institution that will provide the next generation of DJs with a roadmap on how to break new artists and manage the business side of the music industry,”

Don Cannon said. DJ Drama followed up with the trio’s mission and vision in creating The Academy. “Cannon, Sense and I thought this was a great time to start The Academy with the heights and success we have reached in our careers,” said DJ Drama. “We want to give back to the community and continue to make a huge impact on the culture of hip-hop and music.”

The 20 members of rated next DJs were personally handpicked by DJ Drama, Don Cannon and DJ Sense to join the prestigious new collective. And here they are:

1. DJ Diamond Kuts (Philadelphia)

DJ Diamond Kuts is Nicki Minaj’s current tour DJ and radio personality on Philly’s Power 99 FM. She was also on BET’s The Deal and former tour DJ of Lil Mama.

2. DJ Green Lantern (NY)

DJ Green Lantern is a DJ, producer and on-air personality on Sirius Satellite Radio’s Hip Hop Nation channel. He is recognized in the industry for working with Eminem, Nas and Jay-Z.

3. DJ Tay James (LA)

DJ Tay James is Justin Bieber’s tour DJ and MC. He notably deejayed parties for Chris Brown, Beyoncé and Bow Wow as well as spun as the guest DJ for President Barack Obama’s inauguration.

4. DJ Mustard (LA)

DJ Mustard is a DJ and producer from the West Coast. He has produced chart-topping hits for 2 Chainz (“I’m Different”), Young Jeezy (“R.I.P.”) and Tyga (“Rack City”).

5. DJ Pauly D (Jersey Shore)

DJ Pauly D is a TV personality and DJ known for being a housemate on MTV’s reality show Jersey Shore. He opened up for Britney Spears on her Femme Fatale tour and worked with Big Sean on his new album. He is also the social media ambassador for WWE Raw SummerSlam.

6. DJ Amen (San Francisco)

DJ Amen is a part of the West Coast clique known as “Young California.” He is known for breaking hot new artist and rapper T-Fly.

7. DJ Iceberg (Atlanta)

DJ Iceberg is an up and coming DJ in Atlanta with a strong mixtape presence. DJ Iceberg is a regular on 106 & Park and DJ personality on Hot 107.9 Atlanta.

8. DJ Era (Atlanta)

DJ Era is originally from the West Coast and currently residing in Atlanta. He has worked as a tour DJ for artists such as Loyd, Young Joc, and August Alsina. He is the host of a quarterly event called “New Era.”

9. DJ Bran (Philadelphia)

DJ Bran is Meek Mill’s DJ and an on-air personality on KISS 101.7 FM. He is also the DJ of BET’s 106 and Park

10. DJ Steph Floss (Cleveland)

DJ Steph Floss is LeBron James DJ and a personality on Cleveland’s Z107.9.

11. DJ Genesis (Atlanta)

DJ Genesis is Trinidad James DJ.

12. DJ Plugg

DJ Plugg is a DJ personality and producer who is known for his work with artist such as Future and Gucci Mane.

13. DJ Dre Sinatra (LA)

DJ Dre Sinatra is Ray J and Ty Dolla $ tour DJ. He is also a regular at one of Hollywood’s hottest clubs SBE’s Colony.

14. Ace McClowd (Philadelphia)

DJ Ace McClowd is an original member of the Aphilliates and DJ personality.