Mick Batyske, known by his stage name DJ MICK (also sometimes styled as MICK) and formerly Mick Boogie,[3] is an American DJ and entrepreneur.[2] He is an A-list DJ and spun private parties for celebrities including Kanye West,[4] LeBron James, Jay-Z and Will Smith.[5][6][7] In addition to his mix tape releases, he has performed in venues internationally, including New York City, Dubai, Tokyo, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.[8] As an entrepreneur, he has invested in various start-up companies including Localeur, in which he is also an advisor and consultant.[2][9]

MICK
Birth nameMick Batyske
Also known asMICK, DJ MICK, Mick Boogie
BornYoungstown, Ohio, U.S.
GenresHip hop, open format
Occupation(s)DJ,[1] entrepreneur,[2]
Instrument(s)Turntable
Websitemick.co

Early life and education edit

Mick was born in Youngstown, Ohio. He attributes his musical taste to the different songs he listened to as a child.[1] His mother bought him records when he was young and he also learned to play the piano and drums while attending school.[2][7] He attended John Carroll University where he earned both a bachelor's degree and MBA.[1] While attending John Carroll, he worked as a radio DJ for WJCU 88.7, and later for Power 107.5 and Z107.9.[1] While attending grad school, he decided to turn his music hobby into a career.[2] After graduating college, he became the official DJ of the Cleveland Cavaliers.[10][11] In 2008, decided to move to New York City and ended up moving to Brooklyn, New York.[1]

DJ and performance career edit

Mick was the DJ at a private event for Jodie Foster at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France.[12] The same year he deejayed at the "Two Kings" influencer dinner held by LeBron James and Jay Z, an annual event that he has made several appearances at since 2008.[13][14]

Mick expanded his performances in 2012 with a performance at Vibe's Magazine 20th Anniversary party.[15] He was also in attendance for Super Bowl XLVII where he performed alongside The Roots at the annual Madden Bowl party,[16] an event that he also performed for 2013.[17] His 2012 birthday party was an event that featured a set that he personally performed and a performance by DMC of Run DMC. He also performed at Brian Atwood's New York Fashion Week party at the Four Seasons[18] and a party for Aerosmith's Steven Tyler at The Darby in New York City.[19]

It was in 2012 that Mick began a one-year deejay residency at Hyde, inside the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada.[20] During one of his sets over Memorial Day weekend in 2012, Jennifer Lopez debuted her single Goin' In.[21] He also started touring internationally, including traveling with VH1 in India to promote its revamped VH1 India channel.[22] He also performed at Entertainment Weekly's annual EMMY Award party in Los Angeles[23] and on MTV during the MTV Video Music Awards' Rap Fix show.[24] His private performances in 2013 included a party hosted by Jay-Z and Beyonce during the NBA All Star Weekend in Houston, Texas[25] and the Miami launch event of a new Audemars Piguet watch, hosted by the company's brand ambassador LeBron James.[26]

Music and production career edit

Mick began releasing mixtapes after college. His collaborations have included works with Jay-Z, Eminem and Peter Bjorn and John.[27][28] His 2006 mixtape The Pre-Up, hosted by Eminem and The Alchemist (an early release of some tracks from Eminem Presents: The Re-Up), was cited by Rolling Stone as one of the top five hip hop mix CDs of the year.[29] In 2007, he worked with Little Brother on the mixtape And Justus for All.[30]

Also in 2007, Mick collaborated with Busta Rhymes to pay tribute to deceased producer James "Dilla" Yancey on the mixtape Dillagence. Busta Rhymes referred to him as a "hip hop historian" for putting together the project.[31] Mick has presided over several critically acclaimed mash-ups, including Adele 1988 (which combines Adele's debut album with artists ranging from Naledge to Big Pooh) and Viva La Hova,[1] which mashed up Jay-Z and Coldplay. In 2011, inspired by the A Tribe Called Quest documentary Beats, Rhymes, & Life, Mick released Excursions: A Tribe Called Quest mixtape.

In 2010, Mick began the release of a yearly mixtape called Summertime in which he collaborates with his childhood idol DJ Jazzy Jeff.[32][33] The series has featured new and unreleased material from Will Smith.[34] The same year, Mick started his twice-annual collaboration with Stylecaster called Sounds From The Front Row for New York Fashion Week.[35]

Mick was hired by HBO in 2011 to produce and mix the How To Make It In America soundtrack with Scott Vener.[36] In 2012, Mick released a mix called Obamify, a compilation mix of Barack Obama's playlist on Spotify.[37] Also in 2012, Mick collaborated with photographer Jonathan Mannion to pay tribute to his childhood inspiration, The Beastie Boys, with a mixtape entitled Grand Royal.[38] Gwyneth Paltrow also listed his remix "Lost Part 2" as one of her favorite songs to travel to.[39] Mick is the music supervisor and curated the soundtrack for NBA Live 14.[40] He was also nominated for an award by the Guild of Music Supervisors in 2014.[41]

Select discography edit

Year Title Notes
2014 Summertime Volume 5 Collaboration with DJ Jazzy Jeff[32]
2013 Sounds From The Front Row Collaboration with Stylecaster[42]
2013 Summertime Volume 4 Collaboration with DJ Jazzy Jeff[32]
2013 SlamXMick Art Basel Collaboration with SlamXHype[43]
2013 SXSWi Interactive 2013 Collaboration with Tristan Walker. Music chosen by leaders in the tech and entrepreneur community.[44]
2013 NBA Live 2014 Mixtape for EA Sports[45]
2012 Summertime Volume 3 Collaboration with DJ Jazzy Jeff
2011 Summertime Volume 2 Collaboration with DJ Jazzy Jeff
2009 Re-Living Thing Collaboration with Peter Bjorn and John[46]
2009 UKNOWBIGSEAN
2009 Biggie: Unbelievable Collaboration with Diddy.[46]
2009 2009:Grammy Remix Project Mick Boogie and Terry Urban mixtape compilation of the 2009 Grammy nominees.[46]
2008 1988 Mixtape with Adele.[46]
2008 Viva La Hova Mix tape with Jay-Z and Coldplay.[46]
2007 Dilla-Gence Mixtape with Busta Rhymes.[46]
2007 And Justice For All Little Brother mixtape. Also worked as A&R.[46]
2007 The Graduate Kanye West mixtape.[46]
2006 The Pre-Up Collaboration with Eminem and various artists. Includes pre-releases from Eminem Presents: The Re-Up.[46]
2006 Kick In The Door Collaboration with Joey Fingaz and The Kickdrums featuring Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco, Mobb Deep, Rick Ross, and various other artists.[47]

Business career edit

Mick is an entrepreneur and has invested in various startup companies.[48] In 2007 he co-founded Motivation Boutique, a hip-hop clothing store located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.[49] It is located within the campus of the University of Michigan and launched an online store in 2009.[49] He is also known for branding and marketing, having spoken at events such as South by Southwest, New York University, and Digital DUMBO.[48] He has consulted on projects for HBO and scored national television commercials for Adidas.[48] He also starred in a national TV commercial for Microsoft Bing that premiered during the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.[50] Additional appearances include City Girl Diaries and Rap Fix Live. As an investor, Mick has been involved with the startup of numerous companies including Localeur, Dart, and Stublisher.[51]

Mick brought his entrepreneurship and mixing together in 2013 with the release of SXSWi Interactive 2013.[44] The mixtape featured 24 songs and chosen by leaders in the tech and entrepreneurial community, including social media consultant Gary Vaynerchuk.[44]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e Bernstein, Margaret (July 16, 2011). "Superstar DJ Mick Boogie returns to Cleveland, where his career began". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d e Picard, Michael (November 12, 2012). "Mick Boogie: DJ, Entrepreneur". The Huffington Post. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  3. ^ "Mick Birthday Party At Darby Downstairs". Styled Magazine. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  4. ^ "What Was Beyonce's Halloween Costume?". People. November 2, 2011. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  5. ^ Vozick-Levinson, Simon (July 3, 2008). "Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith (AKA the Fresh Prince) rock for 'Hancock'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  6. ^ Leroy, Dan (December 21, 2006). "Snap to It". Miami New Times. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  7. ^ a b Price, Caitlin (November 12, 2012). "Mick Boogie to spin urban music into Athens mix". The Post. Athens, Ohio. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  8. ^ Glaser, Sam (October 10, 2012). "From College Radio TO Remixing Jay-Z, Mick Boogie Is A Man On The Rise". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  9. ^ Vivion, Nick (June 20, 2013). "Localeur adds a twist to local expert tips with a focus on actual locals". Phocuswire.
  10. ^ Soeder, John (March 20, 2008). "A warp-speed night with Cleveland Cavaliers' DJ Mick Boogie". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved February 8, 2014.
  11. ^ Jackson, Scoop (June 14, 2007). "Can a DJ save the Cavs?". ESPN. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  12. ^ Kilday, Gregg (May 8, 2011). "THR Honors Jodie Foster at Cannes Film Festival". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  13. ^ "Jay-Z and Lebron James Host 2nd Annual Two Kings Dinner in New Orleans". XXL Mag. February 12, 2008. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  14. ^ "Jay-Z Explains Why He Didn't Do We Are The World 25". Nahright. February 13, 2010. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  15. ^ "DJ Mick Boogie's Favorite Spots to Chow and Chill in Brooklyn". Vibe Magazine. September 18, 2012. Retrieved February 8, 2014.
  16. ^ Stats, Eddie (March 3, 2014). "Mikc Boogie – illadeph/matic: The MaddenSessions". OK Player. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  17. ^ Gaudiosi, John (January 25, 2013). "Big Boi and Lil Wayne Headline Madden Bowl XiX in New Orleans". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  18. ^ Jordon, Candace (September 20, 2012). deejayed designer Brian Atwood's New York Fashion Week party at the Four Seasons NYC. "Kim Kardashian, Heidi Klum and Rachel Zoe highlight shoe god Brian Atwood's star-filled party celebrating new campaign and first flagship store". Chicago Now. Retrieved March 3, 2014. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help)
  19. ^ "John Krasinski and Emily Blunt's NYC Date Night". US Weekly. November 28, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  20. ^ Frydenlund, Zach (September 26, 2012). "Video: Mick Boogie Takes Over Las Vegas". Complex. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  21. ^ "JLO Celebrates Launch of New Single at Hyde Bellagio, Las Vegas". Vegas News. May 28, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  22. ^ "Mick Spins in Style". The Hindu. November 15, 2013. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  23. ^ "Emmy Party Pictures: Entertainment Weekly, Variety, Bafta, HBO, the Governors Ball, and More". BizBash. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  24. ^ Pusha-T, Lil Cease, Junior Mafia, Mick (August 22, 2013). Watch 'RapFixLive with Pusha-T, Lil-Cease & Junior Mafia on MTV's AMA All Access (Television). MTV.
  25. ^ "Beyonce & Jay-Z Celebrate All-Star Weekend in Houston". People. February 18, 2013. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  26. ^ "Audemars Piguet Celebrated Brand Ambassador Lebron James On The Launch Of His New Watch". Audemars Piguet Website. September 27, 2013. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  27. ^ Leroy, Dan. "Snap to it: Comeback kids, rhymin' Limeys, and songs about partying defined Hip-Hop Nation in 2006 Archived 2014-04-07 at the Wayback Machine", Miami New Times, December 21, 2006. Retrieved on 2008-09-16.
  28. ^ "Mick Boogie x Peter Bjorn & John Re-Living Thing". Okay Player. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
  29. ^ Serpick, Evan. "The Top 5 Mix CDs", Rolling Stone, 2006-12-28, p. 105.
  30. ^ Menconi, David. "Little Brother still together but now a duo", The News & Observer, 2007-02-04, p. G12.
  31. ^ Paine, Jake (November 23, 2007). "Busta Rhymes & Mick Boogie: Tale of The Tape". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
  32. ^ a b c "Mixtape: DJ Jazzy Jeff & Mick Boogie Summertime Volume 4". Vibe. July 7, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  33. ^ Fruchter, Alexander (March 3, 2014). "Mick Boogie Selects: The Recent Best of Mick Boogie". Ruby Hornet. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  34. ^ Anderson, Kyle (June 11, 2012). "Will Smith revives Summertime on DJ Jazzy Jeff and Mick Boogie's new mixtape". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  35. ^ "Stylecaster & DJ Mick Boogie Present 'Sounds From The Front Row: Volume 5'". Black Book. November 28, 2013. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  36. ^ Watercutter, Angela (November 15, 2011). "How To Make It In America as a TV Soundtracker". Wired. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  37. ^ "Mixtape: Mick Boogie & Terry Urban "Obamify"". Complex Mag. February 20, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  38. ^ "Mick Boogie and Jonathan Mannion, Creating the Cover". Hypetrak. April 18, 2012. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
  39. ^ Paltrow, Gwyneth (June 21, 2012). "Fly better". Goop. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  40. ^ Berkman, Cameron (November 6, 2013). "Get A First Look at NBA Live 14". Maxim. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  41. ^ "4th Annual Guild of Music Supervisors Awards: Nominees". Guild of Music Supervisors. February 13, 2014. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  42. ^ "Stylecaster & DJ Mick Boogie Present Sounds From The Front Row Volume 5". Black Book. November 28, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  43. ^ Stark, Tony (December 7, 2013). "Mick – Art Basel 2013 Mix". Def Pen Radio. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  44. ^ a b c Aguiar, Steven (March 8, 2013). "Mick Boogie and Tristan Walker Crowdsource Interactive 2013 Mix". MTV Hive. Retrieved February 8, 2014.
  45. ^ "NBA Live 14 Mixtape: New Music, New Features". EA Sports. November 15, 2013. Archived from the original on January 22, 2014. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  46. ^ a b c d e f g h i "10 Mick Boogie Mixtapes You Should Download Now". Complex. February 10, 2010. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  47. ^ "The Kickdrums – Kick In The Door – Joey Fingaz, Mick Boogie, The KickDrums". LiveMixtapes. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  48. ^ a b c Mick (May 13, 2013). Music Tech and Branding with MICK previously known as DJ Mick Boogie. ThePhatStartup via YouTube.
  49. ^ a b "Retail Spotlight: Motivation (Ann Arbor, MI)". Complex. February 18, 2010. Retrieved February 9, 2014.
  50. ^ "Mick Boogie& Terry Urban 'Bing' Commercial". Soletron. August 31, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2014.
  51. ^ Baker, C. Daniel (May 20, 2013). "Austin-based Travel Startup Localeur Expands to Add Houston". Black Enterprise. Retrieved February 9, 2014.

External links edit