User:Wadhat/Sandbox

wait what, born July 27th, 1985, is an American DJ and music producer based out of San Francisco. He lives and performs in the Bay Area. He has released two full-length mash-up albums: Notorious XX and this is real life. The mash-ups combine popular alternative and indie rock instrumentals combined with hip-hop lyrical tracks. Most times wait what creates a track with a totally original tempo or vibe than the two mixing tracks.

Notorious XX
wait what’s first album, Notorious XX became an internet favorite and received much acclaim on blogs and news outlets, even though most press came through word of mouth. Notorious XX is a 11 track mash-up album of instrumentals from popular pop tracks mixed with lyrics legendary recording artist Notorious B.I.G. Arguablly the most popular track on the album is “juicy-r;” a mashup of Biggy’s “Juicy” and XX’s track “VCR.”

“juicy-r” and other tracks became quick internet sensations, and fan-made, mashup style, videos became hits, leading to over one hundred thousand video views.

this is real life
wait what’s second full release album, this is real life, was released at a small release party August 31st, 2010. The album marked a stark enhancement in mashup style from the independent DJ. In the second album, lyrical tracks were not limited to those of Notorious B.I.G., but instead the artist ventured into many different hip-hop avenues. Drake, Eminem, Lil Wayne and many other large name recording artists’ lyrical tracks are overlaid on popular and classic instrumental tracks.

The album contains 21 tracks, including an intro and skits throughout, creating a light-hearted and energetic feel. The song “Got Yourself an Electric Gun,” a mash of Nas and MGMT, became an internet sensation and reached number 1 in popularity on the popular music site “The Hype Machine” The album has also been featured in many internet news outlets, including The New York Magazine.

Skit Competition
In early July, wait wait revealed on his website that he would open a special phone line that would go straight to voicemail. Fans were given the opportunity to call in and give their best and most creative messages with a chance to be put on the album as a skit. Many messages ended up on the intro to the album, as well as a few messages receiving their own tracks.

Inspiration
In interviews and blog posts, wait what has cited his inspiration as his friends and family, as well as his love for music and originality. Says the artist: “the notorious xx began as an idea in my sister’s apartment, where I was trying to figure out what it would sound like hearing juicy over vcr.” wait what has also been a popular fixture at parties and clubs around the bay area and has described himself as a lover of all music.

1.http://charliek.tumblr.com/post/1034221108/1-spot-on-hypem-thanks-so-much-everybody-cd 2. http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/09/download_is_this_real_life_an.htm 3. http://www.waitwhatmusic.com/