One year ago (May 14th)we lost Justo Faison to a tragic car crash as he was enroute to Virginia in the early morning hours. For those who don’t know Justo was an incredible cat who was the deejay’s best advocate. he founded Justo’s Mixtape Awards and worked tirelessly to always champion the cause of the DJ… About a month or so before he passed we had Justo on our radio show to give us a history lesson on the Mixtape and the Mixtape DJ. Sadly it was the last time I spoke with him, before getting the sad news about his passing… We hope people who listen to this interview not only gain the knowledge but also come to understand and appreciate the passion and commitment Justo had toward Hip Hop and in particular the DJ who is far too often overlooked. In this interview Justo walks us through the time-line of the mixtapes starting with people like Brucie B and Kid Capri all the way up to Ron G, DJ Clue, Green Latern and K-Slay. He talks about how the mixtape has evolved to become an institution that is now used by politicians and major corporations to promote product and idealogoy. He also talks about his plans for the annual mixtape awards as well as his plans to release a documentary on the Mixtape History.. In Remeberance of Justo we offer up this Interview. Please reflect and build upon his words. WELCOME TO THE MIXTAPE AWARDS A ceremony, which celebrates the achievement of the DJ and Mixtape DJ On the date of May 14, 2005, we lost one of our greatest innovators in this music industry, a man by the name of Orpheous “Justo” Faison. Justo, a 15 year promotions and marketing veteran, has worked for countless companies in the entertainment industry such as: Nervous Records as Mixshow and College Promotions Rep., Atlantic Records as National Director of Marketing and Promotions, Sony/Epic Records as Vice President of Urban Promotions & Urban Marketing, Gee Street Records as Vice President of Marketing and Promotions, and T-Mobile Sidekick as National Account Director in the Northeast Region. Justo was also a successful entrepreneur, creating the Jus Muzik Group- a Music/Mobile Marketing and Advertising Company. He’s worked with such clients as BET, Bad Boy Records, Sony Music Group, T-Mobile, BET and Loud Records. In addition, Justo managed Hot 97 star personality and mix-show DJ K-Slay. Finally, Justo recently formed The Jus Muzik Group record label- along with partners Tyrone Hendricks (Tytanic ) and Luke Cage, which have signed there first artist J Haffa. Before Justo’s passing, one of his greatest achievements was the creation of the influential- “JUSTO’S MIXTAPE AWARDS”. Justo realized the importance of the mixtape subculture, which has since become recognized in pop culture. DJs and mixtapes have become an extremely important vehicle for major corporations attempting to research and influence their brand, on consumers worldwide. The New York Times has described Justo as the “Industry’s most energetic promoter of hip-hop mixtapes.” The Mixtape Awards have now become a well-known event in the music industry, and Justo’s involvement should not be forgotten. In describing last year’s Awards, the New York Times remarked, “Thanks to Faison, the mixtape world even had its own annual ceremony: he created and produced the yearly Mixtape Awards, a fittingly raucous celebration; this year’s attendees included Sean Combs, who won a lifetime achievement award, and the Game.” This 10 year Legacy will continue through the hands of his team members: Tyrone Hendricks (Tytanic), Luke Cage, Regan Sommer McCoy of Jus Muzik Group. Our mission is to continue Justo’s legacy keeping his priorities; his 13 year old son Vaughn and the hundreds of dj’s whose careers he touched. This event is designed to honor the DJs and Mixtape DJs, for constantly breaking records and creating these promotional brand buzzing tools that bring awareness of, “The Brand “to millions of people. This group of men and woman rarely receive the recognition that they deserve, so this ceremony will show our appreciation and support by acknowledging them for there hard working achievements. The event will be a historical moment in the music industry. One you don’t want to miss! Awards Voting Process: • DJs are nominated by a board of Industry executives and tastemakers who receive ballots, in addition to the fans with an online voting process at: www.themixtapeawardsonline.com. Board of Industry Executives & Taste Makers Consist of: • Record Label Execs (Promotions, Marketing, A&R, & Video) A. Street Team Companies B. Magazines C. Video shows D. Retail E. Producers F. Clothing lines Less