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His bio is definitely interesting to say the least. He is one of the most versatile people I have come across. He has had all types of occupations ranging from snowboarding, being a DJ, waiter, photographer, documentary maker, videographer to activist. Although he now resides in California, 30 year old Brett Mazurek A.K.A DJ 3rdI was born in Trenton, New Jersey and grew up in Orlando, Florida. He then moved to Colorado after his high school in 1994 to snowboard. Within those 6 years he picked up a video camera and started shooting snowboarding, skateboarding and wake boarding.
UGPulse Promo
In 2001 he moved to Park City, Utah to help his friends open a skate and snowboard shop. It was there that he was introduced to Hollywood via the Sundance Film Festival. At that time he was shooting skate and snowboard videos for the shop, as well as shooting for a several other people during the Sundance Film Festival while juggling a Djing career. During this period, he got an opportunity to work on his friend's film in Los Angeles in 2003 and he was captivated by that world. He went back to Park City, packed up all his belongings and moved to Los Angeles.
3rdI worked hard during that phase. Just to make contacts and network, he shot hip-hop shows and rock shows numerous times a week for free. It was only in the last year that he got some big projects like doing second camera on Sticky Fingaz new movie coming out called Day in the Life, doing second camera on RZA's video for the movie Unleashed, shooting and editing a video for Prodigal Sun and taking the directors position for IQ and Kasper, Drastic, Krayzie Native videos as well as shooting a number of commercials for a fashion designer in Uganda called Latif. As a DJ he has also opened for De La Soul, Ludacris, Beat Junkies, and Dj Logic to name a few.
What drew me to him was his love for Uganda and his avid interest in the hip-hop scene in Uganda. Right now he is working on his own documentary Diamonds in the Rough which highlights the Ugandan musical scene among many things. Part of the intrigue of having your thumb on the underground artist's movement is you get to hear of interesting people who are doing great things. Often times by the time certain artists 'make it' on the mainstream, they were already known in the underground scene by other artists. It was through these channels that I heard about DJ 3rdI.
3rdI
Jane: Who is DJ 3rdI? When did you start getting interested in hip-hop?
3rdI: As of right now I'm just 3rdI. I'm just a man trying to do right by the world. There is a lot of turning away from problems, selling out and covering up what is really going on in the world right now. People don't want to disturb the herd and sh*t. Well if you can't disturb the herd you have to lead the herd right? It is our generation (Generation X) responsibility to fix what our forefathers have f**ked up to make a future for our children and our children's children. I mean we got our Vice President (Dick Cheney) shooting his friend in the face and then trying to cover it up and spin it into a positive thing. Sh*t is f**ked around here. So I have decided enough is enough. We have to do something. That's one layer of who 3rdI is.
When did I get into hip-hop? The first time I heard it. I have always been into hip-hop, ever since Elementary school. My boys and I would have our cardboard laid out in the garage getting our break on. That was in like 83'- I'm having flashbacks. Hip-hop runs through my veins.
Why did you choose the nickname 3rdI (Third Eye)?
Well it's been a progression over the years. First it was Maz, then Ski, then B-boy, then Killa-B and now it is 3rdI. I came up with the name because I've always seen the world differently from others around me. I always see every angle, every possibility, and all perspectives. My mind is open to all possibilities. I can see the future… and it's hectic.
The present itself is hectic. What's your message to the world? What inspires you?
My message to the world is WAKE UP. The signs are all around and in your face. People in the world are just too caught up in their own tunnel realities to be concerned with the rest of the world, it saddens me. But in the same breath, there are people out there doing great things, helping people and countries. It's a beautiful thing. But the media doesn't recognize most of these people; I'm going to change that. What inspires me? People who are not afraid of the consequences. People who put their life on the line to make a difference. Self-sacrifice.
3rdI
What is the Hip-Hop Revolution-Ugandan Edition Project?
The Hip-Hop Revolution is going to be a series of documentaries which show the true essence of hip-hop around the world. It is the knowledge, stories, and real life of the youth today. It is not what plays on the radio, it's not what is seen on TV, and it's not that fake entertainment bullsh*t. It's the truth and it sets us free from the fake. Uganda is just the jump off point for the whole revolution. I had to start with the motherland.
Click here to view Trailer for Hip-Hop Project
I find it intriguing that you would consider Africa the motherland, especially when many people are quick to deny that relationship. This is despite the fact that historians say that it all started in Africa. Because you are Caucasian, some people will zone into that comment. Why do you consider it the motherland?
The only people who would deny that is the motherland are religious freaks, white imperialists, and their followers. People can believe what they want. If they want to deny the years of research that scientists have done, I hope that they have their own proof to back up what they say. I'm no historian but it all started in Africa and it will probably all end in Africa. Africa and South America are the life lines to this planet. If they go we all go. Africans need to understand one thing... all the super powers of the world are coming to your continent and buying all your land and getting little pieces of paper that say THEY own the land. Something a lot of land owners in Africa don't have. Make sure you get your papers right.
That is definitely food for thought. Why do you think music is the weapon of the future?
It is the voice of our generation. It is the voice of the youth. It is the voice of our elders. Music is a way to spread knowledge to the masses.
Do you think that hip-hop music and politics can jazz?
They always have and always will. Hip-hop is the voice of Generation X. Ever since Chuck D people understood the power of hip-hop. That's why the corporate world has been trying to take it over ever since. Now I ask you, who controls hip-hop? Or should I say American Bling Pop. Underground hip-hop is alive and kicking and we control our destiny. We are the light in the dark.
When I think of conscious music, I think of African American musicians like Talib Kweli, Common, Musiq Soulchild, Jill Scott, India Aire, and Erykah Badu. The fact is that they sell less CD's than many mainstream musicians. Do you think Africa is ready for conscious musicians?
Is that a trick question? Don't you think that most African music is conscious? It seems to me that the only musicians who aren't conscious in Africa are the ones trying to be like American pop stars. Everyone I hung out with in Africa loves those artists you mentioned and personally I think that most of the African youth know hip-hop better then American Youth. It's crazy but true.
I agree with you that a lot of African music is conscious but not all of it is. You've been to Jamaica, South Africa and Uganda. What made an American gain interest in the Ugandan hip-hop scene?
Honestly a true hip-hop head can go anywhere in the world and find his people. Hip-hop is a mentality. It's a way of life. It doesn't matter if you are orange, pink, or tan; if you are a real and down to earth cat, you can walk anywhere on this planet. Just know where you're at and what you are getting into because sh*t is no joke in the world right now. I got interested in UG (Uganda) when I met the Liaison of UG in LA. We went out a couple times and put down a plan to get me out to UG to shoot a documentary on the displaced children in Gulu. Needless to say I tried to go through the proper channels in the UG government and nothing happened. Big surprise right? But with every door that shuts, another one opens and I fell in love what I saw. Hip-hop in its rawest form. It was beautiful.
Did you learn some Luganda or any other Ugandan dialects?
Plani chi? Vee Pee? Wagwon? Yeah I always learn the basics and I can get by. I always seem to get all the slang wherever I go. I'm really trying to find a way to learn more and faster. I've also been learning a lot of Luganda through the music and editing all the music videos I shot in UG. I had the artists write out English translations so I could show what they are saying visually. It helps so much. All the videos will have the translations on them so everyone can understand their message. Lemerako! (Hang on, persist.)
You got a chance to mix with Ugandan hip-hop artists? Which ones impressed you the most?
Silas Babaluku
Mr. Africa. Aka Silas. Aka Babaluku. He was the most on point MC I have seen in a while; not just in Ugandan terms. He's is just on another level when it comes to the art of MCing. First off, he can flip English and Luganda like it's nothing, his message is clear and universal, His energy is off the Richter Scale and he has the heart of a true revolutionist. We need more people like him in the world. But all the artists featured in the documentary are beautiful and special in their own way. I really feel blessed to call all of them my friends and I will do everything in my power to get them to the next level. Mad props to Krayzie Native, Rah-P, Abramz, Sylvester, Latif, Henry J, Xenson, Lyrical G, Klear Kut, and everyone else in UG. Too many names. Much love!
"Lemerako" meaning "Hang On"
How did you get to meet Krayzie Native (Bataka Squad) and Stevie Jean?
I met Krayzie Native a little over a year ago in Kampala, Uganda. After a botched documentary attempt on the displaced children of the war in Northern Uganda, I ended up Djing at all the local clubs in Kampala and hanging out with Krayzie Native at his hip-hop night at Sabrina's pub. He was telling me all about his new single Tuja Babya (which means we will blow you up) and how he wanted to shoot a video for it and had the perfect location-Kisenyi, the worst slum in Kampala. I said hell yeah, let's do it. We have been friends ever since. Stevie Jean I met on my last trip. He is the Dr. Dre of Uganda. He is on point when it comes to production but needs to learn a little more about the underground originality. He has the pop formula on lock.
What about the Global Hip-hop Summit in South Africa? What did you think of it?
The Hip-hop summit was one of the illest experiences of my life. It not only gave me security that what I was doing with my life was right but it showed me that I was not alone in the struggle. I was really blown away by the love and friendships I made there and the people I met as well as the music… all I have to say is K'Naan, Oz12, Koni the Brownie, Lady-B, Distant Cousins, Krayzie Native Native ahhh yeah. If you don't know you better ask. The future of hip-hop is bright and amazing.
One of the pet peeves of many Africans is the constant focus of the media on its negatives for example poverty and the lack of portrayal of its positives-for example its cities, universities, traditional wear, cultures etc. How are you different in this aspect?
I like to focus on the truth what ever it may be. To me the people, the cultures, the cities, the countries are all new and beautiful to me. I try to capture that essence with my camera. Look at my film or photos. You cannot deny the beauty and the impact to the images. I really think people are afraid to venture out in the world to see what a place or country is really like. So the only way for these people to get info is the news or internet. If you are not sending a positive message with a website or reporting of any kind what are they to think? CNN isn't going to say, "Hey America go to Uganda- it's the Switzerland of East Africa". The governing officials aren't putting money into marketing tourism. You feel me? That's why it is important for people like me to educate people in other countries about self-promotion; marketing, websites, and any other knowledge to help get them get ahead, because they are way behind. I plan on setting up production houses in every country and teaching the people who are interested. Some people just need a little help to do big things- you get me?
I get you. Tell us more about your documentary Diamonds in the Rough…
Diamonds in the Rough
It is a beautiful story about the struggle of the youth finding a voice with music. It's a story about overcoming the obstacles in your life and living your dreams. It is the essence of hip-hop. It's my first documentary and I'm very proud of it and the people involved in it. It's my baby.
Your Crew's motto right now is "Make a Million Dollars and Help a Million People". Can you please elaborate on that?
We can save the world if we put the money in the right places. But we need the money. You can have all the blood, sweat, tears, and heart but without the money you can only do so much. So what we are saying is we are going to make a million dollars, so we can flip that money into our own projects and not worry about outsider's money. We have the plan and know what to do; we just need the loot to be self-sufficient.
It was clear to me when I was reading up on you that you are unhappy with the general state of hip-hop today. Why is that?
Real hip-hop is doing just fine. I have a problem with the general state of American hip-hop. It is the corporate poisoning of the minds of the youth and general public. I mean really what is the message of these musicians? Materialistic possessions and ignorance. Name one song on the radio which promotes consciousness and well-being. They are making it cool to sell out and to be a corporate slave. They talk about killing people and other bullsh*t but then they get called out on it and their excuse is "its just entertainment". So what are you saying? Everything you sing about is a lie?
The rapper 50 Cent got a lot of backlash for having billboards, posters and other ads depicting him brandishing two handguns as a promotion for the Get Rich Or Die Tryin' movie. I noticed a lot of gun-toting people and children on your blog page. Some people would call that glorifying violence. What would you say in defense? Don't you feel that it contradicts what you stand for?
Holding two fake Hollywood guns in a photo shoot is completely different from a child soldier holding an AK-47 in training to go to war to protect diamond mines. Some people in the world live and die by the gun. It is a way of life. Glorifying violence is what 50 Cent does in every one of his songs. I've been all around the world and chilled in some of the most dangerous places on this earth, with the guys who run these places and they never talk the sh*t that these wanna be gangster rappers do. True gangsters know they are the sh*t and so do everyone around them. They live the life, they don't yap about it.
What are your challenges as an upcoming underground filmmaker? Any major lessons you've learnt that you'd like to pass on?
This is some knowledge which is universal- stay true to yourself and do what you know. Don't follow trends- be the trend. Get a good team that you know and trust. Make sh*t happen. Don't talk about it. Be about it. Create it and people will appreciate it.
What do you think of Hollywood?
It's cut throat. You're nothing until your something. If you're not ready to play the game don't plug into the Matrix. It's exactly where I need to be.
What projects are you working on right now?
The Hip-Hop Revolution series, The Rising Sun Reggae/ Dancehall DVD Magazine, and a Pilot for a reality show following the life of an Independent Motocross Racer Tyler Evans. Besides that I'm trying to stay sane and keep my eyes on my goals. There are a lot of them.
What is next for you?
3rdI
Taking over Hollywood and making it cool to help people. Crazy concept huh?
To know more about 3rdI you can go to http://www.myspace.com/3rdI_subnet or
http://blog.myspace.com/3rdI_subnet.
He can be contacted at dj3rdI@yahoo.com.
3rdI
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