interview w/mic beal of relentless reggae,  every friday 2:30-4pm on whpk 88.5 chicago.

1.       how did you get started selecting/djing in chicago and how long have you been spinning reggae music? 

MB: I actually started playing rap music.  I was aching to express the inner me and play the music I had listened to all my life.  I got started spinning reggae tunes about 10 years ago.  I started at the station 5 years ago.

2. if you were trapped on an island and could only have 3 12" singles, which would you choose and why? 

MB:  If I were trapped on an Island I would need to have "Free Rhodesia" Jack Ruby and the Black Disciples, "Make it secure" Sizzla, and "Young lover" Cocoa T

3. what is your favorite type of music that you're most excited to play? 

MB: I  love it all they all give different but enjoyable feelings.

4. if you could juggle w/any sound in the world- past present future, which would it be and why? 

MB:  Tallas because they run chi-town

5. if you could eat dinner with any reggae artist which one would it be and what would you eat and why would you choose that artist? 

MB:  I would like to eat rice and peas with sizzla because he is such a enlightning person that I would like to rope in his vibe.

6. which artists today do you think we'll be talking about 25 years from now? 

MB:  Again I think We will be talking about Capleton and Sizzla since they have so much good material, but on a comercial level we will be talking about sean Paul and Shaggy. they are break through artist with real reggae appeal.

7. what would you like to happen in chicago- reggae wise- within the next 2 years? 

MB:   I would like to see the radio deejays get together and put some real big shows together.  Also, I would like for chicago to give the radio djs more respect and allow them to spin in some of the big dancehall sets without envy and jealousy.

8. what was your favorite reggae event in chicago in your memory and why was it your favorite? 

MB:  Stonelove at union hall Rory had the house rockin.  He walked in the door about 11:30 and went straight to the tables.  He did not stop spinning until the lights came on at 4:30.  The walls were dripping wet.  He rocked the hell out of union hall.

9. what would you change w/in the reggae music industry if you could change anything you wanted and why?

MB:  I would like for reggae artist to get paid more.   when a new cd comes out it is the new material not the shit released last year.  Also I would make all local bands write at least two original tunes.  

10. what would be the ultimate stageshow/dance lineup that you'd like to see come to chicago and where would you like it to happen? 

MB: If Capleton, Sizzla, Burning Spear, Morgan Heritage, Sanchez and Cecille  at the Petrillo Band Shell downtown in grant Park