Weekly Spotlight: Take Notes From Mr. Gates

Versatile. Creative. Trendsetter. Fly. William Highsmith is definitely one of the cool kids.

I have had the pleasure of seeing this dude at work and I can solemnly swear that this guy is the truth. So what does he do?.......Everything. But let’s start off with one of his talents: DJing.

A resident of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, where music is a strong presence, it’s highly likely that he be influenced by this strong force. DJ Will Gates started djing around the age of 4; taking his grandmother’s vinyls and putting them on top of the coffee table pretending to mix. Noticing his love for the tables, his dad (who was also a DJ) constructed a makeshift DJ set for Will from a sneaker box and two round pieces of cardboard; which he later replaced with a real set when Will turned 8.

Spinning vinyl is his way of not only exhibiting his love for music; but keeping abreast of what’s hot, what gets the clubs jumping, and where he could potentially take the rap game and music industry all together. By the way….he’s also a rap artist.

Not only does he play other artists’ hits; he also creates his own. Notes started rapping the same time he started djing; mimicking whatever he saw in rap videos. He’s been writing rhymes for a while and it shows through his music. He’s going to be a forced to be reckoned with once his rap career takes off.

I had a brief Q & A session with him and here’s what he had to say:

Q: What do you enjoy more: djing or rapping? Why?

A: Well, rapping is my first passion, but as of right now, I DJ more than I rap and I’m more known for that right now. I like to rock a crowd and get a party started. As for the long term, I want to rap. I want to do world tours. I want to sell out the [Madison Square] Garden, and of course, I can’t do that as a DJ. But I love djing and I’m also using it as a stepping stone to do my rap thing.

Q: If a well know DJ is djing a party the same night as you; why should people attend the party you’re at as opposed to the other DJ?

A: Not to discredit any famous DJs because they paved the way for people like me, but once they get to a certain height, they don’t play the club all night and they don’t go in like they should because at their status, there’s really no one for them to impress. Promoters are prone to using the same DJs; and they play the same songs that get TV and radio spins everyday. As for an up and comer like me, I’ll play exclusives and classics; and mix it up for the crowd a little more.

Q: Define your style.

A: Different (laughs). It’s ironic because I don’t like too much attention because it usually brings about hate; but at the same time, I’m not going to dim my limelight to help the next man’s ego. I’m humble despite the vibe some may get from me.

Q: Which clothing brand(s) would you say reflect(s) your personality/style the best and why?

A: Polo and Alador & Smith. That’s me. A graphic tee with skinny jeans; loafers and corduroys, with a button up and a cardigan.

Q: What artists have you been compared to if any?

A: I’ve been told that my style is similar to Fabolous, Kanye and Lupe, but for the most part, I haven’t been compared to anyone which is a good thing. I can be street and eclectic at the same time. I’m cool with the goons and the skateboarders too.

Q: If you got into the rap game, how would you change it?

A: I would be more diverse. I want to change the perception on how rappers should rap, act and look. I want to bridge the gap between the misfits and the popular people. I want to influence rappers to not be so typical with their lyrics, and I want to make good, quality, timeless music that will still be bumping in 2050.

If you want to experience DJ Will Gates on the ones and twos at a club near you (which you should put on your priority list), or if you want to hear some radio airplay worthy tracks by Notes himself; visit : www.myspace.com/djwillgates.