Under Crazy Hood Productions, DJ EFN, née Eric Fernando Narciandi, is and has been a man whose worn many hats; mixtape, album & film producer, A&R consultant, radio host, marketing & promotions specialist, clothing retailer, artist management, dating all the way back to the early nineties, however, the Miami, Florida, based deejay / record label exec is probably most famously known as the creator and co-host – alongside rapper Noreaga – of the mega popular Revolt TV sponsored Drink Champs weekly podcast.
First things first, last year (August 11th to be exact) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
For me, it means this culture and genre of music I grew up living has matured alongside myself and my peers. I was captivated by the idea of coming in on something that I felt was just getting started, something that was my generation’s music and culture and fast forward we all grew up!
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
Yes, I did imagine it. Growing up, I listened and observed all kinds of music and the generations in which that music revolved around. I loved watching time period films and hearing the soundtrack associated with that time period. At first Hip Hop came to me in rap songs here and there, but when I started to realize the larger culture of Hip Hop and that me and my friends were already living it from day to day, I realized how powerful the music and the culture was and I knew it was something here to stay. Not only was this our music that would define our generation, but I felt it had the potential to define generations to come.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
There are so many that I am sure my memory won’t serve me to recall all of them. I can just say that going to early Hip Hop parties and jams are some of my fondest memories. Feeling a part of a localized Hip Hop community that was part of a larger Hip Hop community really inspired me. This was at a time where Hip Hop heads were few and far between. As the years have gone by and I decided to pursue a career in Hip Hop, there’s many milestones and memories but I can honestly say that just being a fan and participant in the local scene – alongside my crew – are some of the best and purest Hip Hop memories I have.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond?
As of right now, continuing to host and produce Drink Champs, expand the brand into a network which will produce and distribute other shows, and explore other opportunities to expand and capitalize on the brand as we draw close to a decade of Drink Champs! Besides Drink Champs, I produce other shows, continue to work on film projects like my documentary series, I am also back in the lab working on music for another project to follow up my 2015 Another Time album and continue to work on projects and initiatives under my Crazy Hood Productions company umbrella.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Simply good Hip Hop music with a classic feel. I want people to identify all my influences when they hear music I am a part of.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
That’s a really tough question to ask a DJ. I will just keep it simple and right now. I’d love to work with Kendrick Lamar. I feel Kendrick is one of the best artists Hip Hop has ever produced, and this has nothing to do with the recent events. I have indirectly worked with him on some stuff through a group I managed, !Mayday¡, that did a song with Tech N9ne that featured Kendrick.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Another tough question, and honestly one I don’t have an answer for. Just put me in a room with some Hip Hop heads that are ready to vibe out, and I am good.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
In short, no. I don’t think it’s Hip Hop that I am unhappy about, but more so the industry and technologies that have watered Hip Hop and in some cases weaponized Hip Hop. I don’t like the generational disconnect between the mainstream Hip Hop artist and audience. But with that being said, there’s a lot of dope artists of all ages and the same technology that causes havoc has provided a way for all artists going back to the pioneers to now to find their audiences and monetize in a way they couldn’t before.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Staying true to the passionate Hip Hop fan in me. Being authentically me, and never taking for granted the opportunities Hip Hop has given me.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Now that I am a father, everything revolves around building a better life for my kids. Over the years, I have done some community work and hope to do more community work and give back in various ways. I definitely have an entrepreneurial spirit, and I am always looking into business opportunities that make sense for me and my family.
What’s an average day like for you?
It varies depending on whether or not I am filming that day, but on regular non filming days I wake up around 6:30am, get my kids ready for school, then head over to the studio / office. At the office I will jump on calls, do Zoom interviews, or work on music. Later, I will go to the gym and then back home to have dinner with the family and get the kids to bed. Filming days are a whole day and night affair.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I try my best to reply to all fans on social media. I love meeting fans in person whenever I come across someone that recognizes me and tells me they’re a fan of me or Drink Champs or anything I am involved in. I am all about the gold rule, so as long as people are respectful and considerate I am more than happy to interact with them.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
I love that I am able to celebrate people who’ve contributed and pioneered this culture we are lucky to make a living from. I love that I am able to showcase and represent things that are important to me. My least favorite is the occasional politics and superficial pageantry people subscribe to.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
This isn’t an easy road and nothing associated with the arts is, but if you truly have a passion then commit yourself to being consistent and persistent and, most importantly, stick to your own values and moral compass and eventually you will reap the benefits of your journey.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I’d like to see myself more in the executive producer role. In fact, I want to see more of my peers in this role so that we can help guide and give opportunity to the next generation. As OGs, we need to lead by example.
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