Hangin’ with Naseef Khan [Interview + Exclusive Mix]
[Photo Credit: Jake Pierce]
Naseef and I first met at the Flume show Grand Central hosted this past year. I’d heard nothing but good things about his talent from friends that had attended Mekka for the araabMUZIK show. The story went that araabMUZIK couldn’t make it that night, so Naseef stepped up in his stead. Fans were treated to a trap set by Naseef so good, no one really minded araabMUZIK’s absence. I’ve bumped into him at dozens of shows and have since gotten the chance to kick it with him. Aside from being a joke cracking meme-lover and a big Miami Heat supporter, he is truly in touch with Miami’s music and art scene. If he’s not opening for some pretty big names, he’s likely at a show hyping up a friend who’s playing or rushing to another venue after playing a set to catch an artist he wanted to see. He brings the heat when on the decks. It’s not about the turn up with him; his sets are well thought out and take you on a musical journey. We recently had the opportunity to interview Naseef and he made us a special mix for your listening pleasure.
https://soundcloud.com/naseef-khan-1/mfn-guest-mix-001-naseef-khan
How long have you lived in S. FLA?
Aside from a year and a half I spent studying abroad in India, I’ve lived here my whole life.
What/where was the first event you played here?
I’ve been playing hip hop parties in Miami since 2009, but my first big booking for an “EDM” show was providing direct support for Tittsworth, Big Chocolate, Bro Safari, & Sazon Booya at Revolution Live in 2012. It was also the first time playing live with my boy Phil, who goes by Foxy Dope. We arrived early and were able to have his drums mic’d up – and because the DJ playing after me couldn’t make it, we ended up playing for two hours. The headliners came onstage for the second half of our set and expressed their approval afterwards. To this day, I remember that as one of the best sets I’ve ever played.
Talk to me about some artists that you’ve opened for, who was your favorite?
I’ve opened for more artists than I can remember over the last couple years, but some of the fun ones were:
Buku at The Nest – Not a huge show but there was a great crowd. I got to play right before one of my favorite producers, and played footwork for the second half of my set in honor of DJ Rashad, who had passed the week before.
I opened for Rusko, Gemini, Nadastrom at Cinema – I played right before Nadastrom which was a dream come true for a moombahton enthusiast like myself. Threw down a set full of hard hitting “trap” and hip-hop before most partiers had ever heard Original Don. Nadastrom and Rusko were stellar that night as well.
Any pre-set rituals you have before playing?
Not really, I just make sure I’m relaxed and not distracted by anything.
I’ve seen you spin different genres based on who you’re opening for. Which is your favorite genre to spin?
I don’t really confine myself to a certain genre, I usually just opt for whatever feels right. While most music I play is bass-heavy, I definitely have a taste for the funkier side of things.
If you had to pick one, what’s your favorite venue in Miami?
Grand Central, hands down. Best vibes, great sound system, and an amazing staff. It’s my favorite to both party at and play.
What’s your favorite festival to attend? Have you played any?
I went to Counterpoint in 2012 on a last minute whim – drove around 24 hours to make it happen – and it’s definitely my favorite. The attendees and vibes are awesome, and their lineups have had great substance and variety. I’ve played Sunset Music Festival in Tampa, along with Life in Color the last few years – both were amazing, with great crowds & wonderful production.
Do you just DJ?
I’ve been playing piano for nearly two decades, and have been writing music for about that long. I’m also a lyricist, and rap during my sets from time to time.
What DAW do you use?
I’ve used Ableton & Bitwig but I recently moved to Logic Pro X and am absolutely in love with it.
Do you go by a different name when you rap?
No, I get booked to DJ and sometimes I’ll jump on the mic if I’m feeling cocky.
Name your top 3 albums of the moment.
I’m a hip hop head first and foremost so I’d have to go with the mixtapes that I bump til this day –
Wale’s “More About Nothing” is one of the best cohesive works of music I’ve ever heard.
Styles P’s “The Green Ghost Project” with DJ Green Lantern – underrated and slept on.
“The Natural” by Emilio Rojas with DJ Green Lantern. Green Lantern has a knack for putting out quality tapes.
How do you feel about Ultra being 18+ this year?
I think it’s a step in the right direction, I’m personally an advocate of 21+ parties & 18+ festivals. It’s neither logical nor safe to have kids around a festival environment.
I appreciate you taking the time to do this interview, one last question. What upcoming events can people catch you throwing a set down at?
No problem, thanks for having me. I’ll be playing at Life in Color Miami on December 26/27!!
Follow Naseef Khan on Twitter & Instagram
Naseef Khan – MFN December 2014 Tracklist:
Blicka – Ferra La Rough
Mura Masa – Shibuya
Bökken – Happi
esta. – TSOT
The Reaver – Respect is Earned
Habstrakt – Sunday
Matt-U – Wipe ‘Em Out
Truth – Devil’s Hands
Truth – Devil’s Hands (Youngsta Remix)
Sando – Deixe-Me
The Reaver – Secrets
Sango – No One Else
Mura Masa – Bae
Future – Move That Dope (Mr. Carmack Remix)
Losco – BDC
Atu – For Us
Jay Prince – All You
Lakim – Hollow Earth
Strehlow – No New Era
Rich Homie Quan – Get TF Out My Face (Mr. Carmack Remix)
Eddie Beatz – Bong (Howie Lee Edit)
Dorrough – Ice Cream Paint Job (Ostor Rendition)
Denzel Curry – Threatz (feat. Yung Simmie & Robb Bank$)
RaceCarBed x Baaze – iWas
Indian Summer – Foreign Formula (Cosmos’ Midnight Remix)
Pomo – Cloud Cruise
Pomo + Kaytranada – Cherry Funk
Kaytranada – Leave Me Alone (feat. Shay Lia)
Pomo – Work It Out
Wale – The Black N Gold
HXV feat. Lil Uzi Vert & Rome Fortune – Made It
Big Pun feat. Fat Joe – Still Not A Player (Stereothieves Edit)
Swizzymack – Ferguson
The Reaver – ID
G Jones – Move Around
Mayhem x Logam – Orion
Hybris – Graphene
Camo & Krooked – Armageddon
Camo & Krooked – Run Riot (Sub Zero Remix)
Wale – The MC
Louis Futon – Refill w/ Monty Cold
Wale – The Friends Strangers
Moby – Find My Baby
StéLouse x ahh-ooh – Sex Panther