From Block Parties to WMNF: DJ Spaceship’s Musical Journey

In this vibrant episode of the "Chop Shop Show," hosts Daryl "EZDZ" Newton, Greg Doss (Ruff), and Waldo "Dade City" Woodard welcome special guest DJ Spaceship for a deep dive into music, culture, and Tampa's vibrant radio scene. The episode kicks off with a lively introduction, setting the stage for an engaging conversation about DJ Spaceship's journey into music and DJing. Born and raised in Tampa, DJ Spaceship shares how his love for music was sparked by Marvin Gaye and the soulful sounds of the '70s and '80s, played during weekend cleaning sessions at home. He reflects on the '90s as a golden era for music across genres, a sentiment echoed by the hosts, who reminisce about the soul, funk, and R&B that shaped their youth. The discussion explores how DJ Spaceship's early exposure to block parties in Tampa’s Central Park, where DJs like those from Underwood Records controlled the crowd’s mood, inspired him to pursue DJing as a "superpower" to connect and uplift people.

 

The conversation delves into DJ Spaceship’s first gig at his brother-in-law’s birthday party, a chaotic yet pivotal moment that launched his career. He highlights the importance of reading the room and adapting to diverse audiences, from Latin parties to open-format gigs where he plays everything from rock to reggae. The hosts and DJ Spaceship bond over their shared appreciation for music history, discussing iconic samples like Tupac’s "Keep Ya Head Up" and Ice Cube’s "It Was a Good Day," which draw from classic tracks. They emphasize the power of DJs to educate listeners by blending old and new sounds, bridging generational gaps. DJ Spaceship also shares his transition to radio, starting with artist showcases in Tampa and St. Pete, eventually landing a morning slot on WMNF, where he became the first African American to host a morning music show in the station’s 46-year history. His show, featuring everything from Aerosmith to Zapp, includes the "Hendrix Mafia" segment, where he plays Jimi Hendrix tracks and shares music history, engaging listeners with interactive call-ins.

 

The episode also touches on the challenges and opportunities in Tampa’s music scene, with DJ Spaceship advocating for a dedicated old-school R&B station to fill a gap in the market. He stresses the need for personality in radio to captivate audiences beyond just music, a point the hosts reinforce with their own experiences. The conversation wraps up with shout-outs to local businesses and a rapid-fire segment revealing DJ Spaceship’s favorite movie (Shawshank Redemption), food (crab legs), and artists for a road trip (Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Andre 3000). The episode concludes with a heartfelt tribute to fallen Tampa Bay Buccaneers players, including Doug Martin, and a promise to bring DJ Spaceship back for a longer session. This episode is a must-listen for music lovers and Tampa locals alike, blending nostalgia, industry insights, and community pride.

 

**Topic Chapters with Timestamps:**

- 00:00:27 - Introduction and Welcoming DJ Spaceship

- 00:02:21 - DJ Spaceship’s Musical Roots and Influences

- 00:03:04 - Journey into DJing: From Block Parties to First Gigs

- 00:06:55 - The Art of DJing: Controlling the Crowd and Music Transitions

- 00:09:28 - Experiences with Latin Music and Diverse Genres

- 00:11:41 - Evolution of Music: From Soul to Hip-Hop Sampling

- 00:15:29 - Life After High School and Path to Radio

- 00:20:06 - Building a Radio Career with WMNF

- 00:23:29 - Morning Show and the Hendrix Mafia Segment

- 00:24:14 - Elevating Tampa’s Radio and Music Scene

- 00:33:36 - Shout-Outs to Local Businesses and Community

- 00:40:53 - Rapid Fire with DJ Spaceship

- 00:42:07 - Tribute to Doug Martin and Closing Remarks

 

**YouTube Tags:**

DJ Spaceship, Chop Shop Show, Tampa radio, WMNF, music history, hip-hop sampling, R&B, soul music, Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, old-school music, radio personality, DJ culture, music genres, Atlanta music scene, community radio, Hendrix Mafia, local artists, 90s music