Derek Washington:
The Man That’s Kicking Up Music Careers In Jacksonville
Interviewed By: D of NewJax.com

If Jacksonville was a toll booth; no matter which way you enter to the city to promote hip hop or R&B music; you will have to stop at the toll booth of Derek “D-Wash” Washington to get through. The reason for that is Derek is the CEO of Upstart Entertainment; which he’s been handling for years in N. Florida & S. Georgia. What started out as a love for music has grown into a massive company for him, which he keeps his hands in all the daily ventures of Upstart Entertainment. Derek started in the music business with Rip It Records (former label of 69 Boyz and 95 South) as a street promoter, putting the word out on new artist. Derek is now the 5 star general of a DJ army of over 50 DJ’s that spins in clubs all over N. Florida & S. Georgia; with full force and gets the new artist out to the clubs for everyone to hear. No matter who’s the artist; their CD or vinyl has touched Derek’s hands to get exposure in this area. I caught up with Derek to talk to him about his success in the business, his upcoming record pool industry night, and what drives him to keep climbing the ladder in this business.

1) 1st can tell us what made you start Up Start Entertainment.?

When I started doing promotions I discovered that a lot of the Urban music Industry was not in Jacksonville. I started the company to UP & START Jacksonville’s urban music scene, thus the name.

2) You started years ago in the business; was it hard getting into the business at 1st, being that you are from the south?

I started where most people start and work there way up. Street promotions, enables you to meet everyone in the game, being from Jacksonville made it hard because the Industry looks at Jacksonville, just like it would a Lake City or Live Oak. We are a under 50 radio market with only 3 urban night clubs, 1 radio station, 2 DJs known nationally and no rap/ R & B groups ever emerge. So they feel like there is nothing going on there, for us to take an interest in Jacksonville.

3) You originally started with Rip It Records; how did you hook up with them?

A longtime friend name Thrill (Van Bryant) in the 69 Boyz hooked me up with Louis Bell (owner) and it started from there.

4) For those people that don’t know about a record pool, can you explain about a record pool.

A record pool houses DJs as members, we receive product directly from the recording labels to distribute to DJs. We are sort of the first step for recording labels, they use our feedback to see what direction to move with there product.

5) Who inspired you to get into the business?

Well being with Van for those years, not being able to rap or dance. I used what I had, the ability to hustle. He inspired me to take that hustle mentality to the music industry that he had open the door for us to enter through

6) The artist you have worked with to promote in your record pool or promotions, who or what group do enjoy working with and who would you like work with for promoting?

I have done promotions for Major labels such as Universal, Elektra, Atlantic, Priority, Def Jam. Independents labels such as Slip N Slide, Cash Money, No Limit and companies such as BET and Buzztone. I’ve promoted events, clubs, and atheletes you name it. I have had the opportunity to spend personal time with artist like Cisqo, T I, Trick, Trina, Fabolous, Missy Elliott, Method Man, Lil Jon, Jay Z, and my most memorable the Notorious BIG.

7) Now you have 50+ DJ’s that you worked with; I am going to name a few, with just one word what would you say about each?

Dr Doom-Business man, DJ Big Bodie-outspoken, DJ King Ron-Respect, DJ Bam Bam-Technology, DJ Stylez-Next

8) Besides the record pool, what else are you doing with the company? We have just ventured off into management & consulting, working with “Young Cash”. Consulting “swordz” and other regional acts. In 2005 we are going to focus more on our marketing end, trying to break heavy into corporations.

9) What is D-Wash listening to right now?

ATL’s “Boyz in Da Hood” hot single Dem Boyz & “Ooowee” chain swing have to be my 2 favorite coming up

10) I understand you are currently with Def Jam also; what is your position?

North Florida-Jacksonville Promotions Rep

11) Last: Any plans for Super Bowl Weekend?

Well our record pool DJ meeting & showcase that Tuesday (Feb 1st) which will be an all day event. Check for events we have booked at the Elks Lodge downtown on corner of Jefferson Street & Duval. These are going to be events that Jacksonville people will be able to enjoy and it want hurt ya pocket. We have a couple of promotion accounts to work so it won’t be all fun and no work. We are trying to showcase the finest DJ’s in North Florida, Upstart Record Pool DJ’s at every event. This is going to be a visible weekend for us, letting the world know that Jacksonville, is not a town but a city with a lot to offer.