What does a Gospel DJ do? And who is Miss Solid Gold? Burning questions, both. We’ll do our best answer them.

Brenda M. Ingram II, aka Miss Solid Gold, is one of Florida’s hypest Gospel DJs, having spun Gospel regularly at Christian clubs that include Alpha Omega 7 (now defunct), Glory Jamz, Club Revolution, and ZOE JAMZ. She also serves as a DJ for CALL FM 91.7 in the heart of South Florida.

She is a Special Correspondant for GospelFlava.com, serving as one of our hip-hop specialists.

We suppose that anyone can spin records. But we wanted to know, what are the esssential skills to being a truly great DJ. So we asked:

“I believe the first essential component is to love the art and display your character in what you do. Every DJ has his or her own flare and the "DJ" experience becomes more worthwhile when the individual showcases their originality and style.”

“Secondly, the selection of music is vital, as well as the way the cuts are mixed to fit the occasion. If the party is hype, you don't want to hit the crowd with fast songs and then swiftly change the atmosphere with a slow song. The music mix defines the DJ's vibe and gets the crowd more comfortable.”

“Thirdly, ad libs and vocal interjections allow the crowd to participate in the DJ experience.”

Miss Solid Gold then went on to wax poetic, so to speak, about the importance of vinyl in these days of digitized music prominence.

“Vinyl is like a DJ's canvas; it allows the DJ to really express herself on a broader scale. Most remixes are born when the needles hit the wax. Creative juices begin to flow when an instrumental and an acappella version of a song meet, resulting in a DJ's paradise. Vinyl also makes a good source for scratching, which is an art the DJ uses to liven the crowd.”

At this point, it would legitimate to question what we’re really talking about here. We know that the music a Gospel DJ spins is set aside from the secular with respect to lyrical purity. But is that it? As a so-called Gospel DJ, is that the only thing that distinguishes you from your secular counterpart when you’re behind the board?

“As a Christian DJ, I think it is imperative to showcase a Godly attitude. Yes, the skills most be up to par, but at the same time, Christ must be exalted.”

Miss Solid Gold's Top Singles

Florida has a vibe of its own. People come from all over the country to experience the "So Be" (South Beach) secular club scene. Being a DJ for the largest Christian club in the country a few years ago, and based in Florida, I believe that there is potential for this to be the same for the Christian industry, not just in Florida but nationwide. Top 10 Singles (Nov. 2001) The Cross Movement —Know Me New Breed —What's My Name Peace 586 —The Difference 4th Ave. Jones' —R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Urban D., Corey Red, MC Precise, T.R.U.- L.I.F.E. —Who Do You Serve? Prime Minister —Inside Out Noel (of Dynamic Twins) —Unbelievable Virtue —He's Been Good (Remix) I-66 Entertainment —Street Sweepers Out of Eden —Spirit Moves (Rock Soul Remix)

“The main purpose of a Christian DJ should be to "liven up” the party with the God kind of life. With most secular DJs, the atmosphere is usually contradictory to the Gospel because of the music that is played. Christian DJs on the other hand, bring a different flavor to the scene, one that is non-offensive and Christ-exalting.”

“[When choosing music to spin], the production of the track is the first thing that I look for. In other words, I look for the "tightness" of the track. "Party people" beats would really rank high on the list.

“Another equally important component is the lyrical content, especially in songs with contagious choruses. Once again as a Christian DJ, my job is to keep the crowd excited so the lyrics in a song must correspond with the message that is being romoted.”

What advice do you give to those Gospel artists looking to establish a rapport with Christian DJs? Is there something they need to pay attention to in particular, as it pertains the music they create? Do you see a role for the artist themselves in communicating with DJ, or do you think this is a role that the record label needs to take care of?

“I would have to say that the weight is more toward the record label to establish the relationship with the DJ. On the other hand, if the Gospel artists were familiar with top Christian DJs, that would certainly serve as an avenue for recorded remixes to be done by

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Christian DJs. If you notice, mostly all remixes for Gospel songs are done by, or are associated with secular DJs. The Christian DJ basically has no opportunity in this arena because the industry is simply unaware of them.”

“The main ingredient for a perfect remix is an exclusive beat. Oftentimes, the remix is more requested from the fans than the original song!

How do you define for yourself whether you’ve had a successful DJ event. Is it based only on crowd response, or is it something more than that?

“Crowd response is one side to it. The ultimate success would be that God is pleased with your efforts. There are times when the crowd doesn't respond in the way you may expect. But often, when you least expect it, someone approaches you and tells you how much a blessing you were.”

“My advice to all aspiring DJs is to persevere and never give up. If your passion is to be a DJ, go for it and never allow anything or anyone stop you.”

“Being a female DJ is sort of bitter-sweet for me. On the one hand, I am accepted because of my skills, nd on the other hand, sometimes I am not taken seriously until they hear me spin. That's why you can never give up. Practice, practice, practice, and then practice some more. Record yourself. You can actually volunteer for some youth events, or for the market you want to reach in order to get a feel of crowd reception.”

“Throw a party in your backyard, or at the park for a small get-together and invite people to also get the feel of crowd reception.”

“All DJs should be familiar with their music and comfortable in playing it. You should know the hooks or the choruses to time your ad libs. Your local Christian bookstore offers a myriad of different artists. Some music stores carry Gospel artists also, and serve as a source for music material and instrumentals as well.”

“You can also contact record companies or become part of a DJ record pool to receive new music. A good DJ record pool to start out with can be found by joining the Christ Servants DJ group at: christservants-djs@yahoogroups.com