Kyshawn Wyman thinks Atlantic City can be a music industry hub.
And as DJ Young Hitta, he’s hoping to help make that happen.
"We need to change the culture of the area,” he said.
The talent is here, but it’s what happens after the music is made that’s been a hindrance to local artists.
He’s looking to answer the question of “What’s next?”
“If we had artists in one place coming together, that could be epic,” Wyman said.
Part of that includes events like Open Mic Sundays at The Celebrity Lounge at the Claridge Hotel. Beginning this Sunday, admission is $8 for anyone 21 or older. Those wishing to perform can sign up at DJYoungHitta.com.
The DJs are life blood for artists, as the ones who move the records and get them play, he said.
Growing up in Brigantine and Atlantic City, Wyman is a 2010 graduate of Chartertech High School for the Performing Arts in Somers Point. He now lives in Pleasantville and wants to work to promote the talent in Atlantic County.
He has started his own company, Hit Nation Inc., which recently released the single “Love Myself,” by local artist Ci Ci Taylor. They are working on a full record.
Up next is 19-year-old Beet98.
He also was the producer and engineer on “Round Here,” a collaboration between United Kingdom rapper DJ Khaled Siddiq and Atlantic City’s Ibn Ali Miller, who gained national attention from a video where he talked two teens out of fighting.
Throughout school, Wyman always DJ’d the school dances and proms. He continues to do that for high schools, including Pleasantville and Atlantic City.
And he also volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City on Monday and Tuesday.
“With music, the youth component is really big,” he said.
He is also an instructor at Ideal Institute of Technology, which offers career and technical skills training at its training in Absecon. There is also an Ideal Career Center in the Hamilton Mall.
Soon, they will be adding a music and video production studio at the mall location, he said.
Artists don’t have to be the next Jay Z or Beyonce to have a career in the industry, Wyman said.
“There are different avenues to music,” he said.
People make livings writing tracks for television shows and even creating ringtones.
But bringing the local artists together is key, he said.
“Relationships are huge,” he said. “This area has to be built. No one person can do that. It has to be a team of people.”
