#WhoIs with DJ Quicksilva

To celebrate Hip-Hop's 53rd birthday, Quicksilva brought the #WhoIs podcast to the National Hip Hop Museum's Official birthday celebration in Baltimore, MD. This legendary sit-down was with some of the hip-hop greats including Grand Wizzard Theodore, Grap Luva, DJ Doo-Wop, Jay Quan, and DJ Kool.

This week on the Who Is Podcast, we shine the spotlight on Baltimore native, rapper, songwriter, and music industry veteran Marquise “Da Kidd” Collins. A product of Baltimore's rich music culture, Da Kidd has spent years making his mark behind the microphone and behind the scenes, building relationships with some of the biggest names connected to the city's music and entertainment scene. His journey includes notable connections to Bossman, Mya, and Baltimore R&B legends Dru Hill, giving him a unique perspective on the intersection of hip-hop, R&B, songwriting, and the business of music. In this conversation, Da Kidd takes us back to his Baltimore roots, talks about his experiences navigating the music industry, trouble he ran into along the way, the artists and relationships that helped shape his career, and what it really takes to build a lasting presence in the business. This is Marquise “Da Kidd” Collins on Who Is.

       This week on the Who Is Podcast, we welcome Baltimore Club Music pioneer and veteran DJ, DJ Spice. For more than three decades, Spice has been one of the defining voices behind Baltimore's legendary club scene, helping introduce the city's unmistakable sound to audiences across the region and beyond. As one of the original DJs on Baltimore's X105.7 during the station's groundbreaking embrace of Baltimore Club Music, he helped bring the culture from the clubs to the airwaves, expanding its reach to an entirely new generation of fans. Throughout his career, DJ Spice worked alongside some of the biggest names in Baltimore Club history, including the legendary DJ K-Swift, and became a trusted member of the extended Unruly Records family led by Shawn Caesar and Scottie B—the architects of the Baltimore Club movement. From unforgettable nights behind the turntables to helping grow one of the city's most influential musical genres, Spice has earned the respect of DJs and fans alike through his passion, consistency, and love for the culture. In this episode, we revisit the golden era of Baltimore nightlife, the rise of Baltimore Club Music, the friendships and collaborations that shaped the movement, and the legacy of a DJ who helped keep the city's sound alive. This is DJ Spice on Who Is.

This week on the Who Is Podcast, we welcome one of the most influential producers to ever emerge from Baltimore—DJ, producer, and cultural innovator Blaqstarr. A pioneer of the Baltimore Club sound, Blaqstarr helped take the city's signature music from neighborhood dance floors to the global stage. His groundbreaking production work has earned him collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, M.I.A., and Rye Rye, while his unmistakable sound has influenced artists and producers around the world. Beyond the studio, Blaqstarr has remained committed to pushing Baltimore's music culture forward, mentoring new talent and continuing to evolve as an artist, DJ, and creative force. In this episode, we dive into the origins of Baltimore Club Music, his journey from local legend to internationally acclaimed producer, the stories behind some of his biggest records, and why Baltimore's influence on music is stronger than ever. This is Blaqstarr on Who Is.

This week on the Who Is Podcast, we welcome one of the most influential women in Baltimore entertainment—Tracye Stafford. As the founder and CEO of IKON Entertainment, Tracye has spent decades building the city's live music and nightlife scene from the ground up. From transforming an empty parking garage into the iconic Sonar concert venue to opening The Velvet Rope—now known as Ikonic Live—she has created stages where artists, fans, and culture come together. Along the way, she's promoted concerts for some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B while earning the respect of an industry traditionally dominated by men.
In this episode, Tracye shares the story behind her remarkable journey, the challenges of building an entertainment empire, the evolution of Baltimore's music scene, and what it takes to stay ahead in an ever-changing business. This is the story of a visionary entrepreneur, trailblazer, and one of the driving forces behind Baltimore's entertainment legacy. This is Tracye Stafford on Who Is.

     This week on the Who Is Podcast, we welcome the incomparable LaDawn Black—a trailblazing media personality whose voice has informed, entertained, and inspired audiences for more than two decades. Best known for creating the iconic Love Zone and redefining relationship radio in Baltimore, LaDawn built one of the region's most successful radio franchises before taking her talents to New York's legendary WBLS. But her influence extends far beyond the airwaves. As a bestselling author, relationship expert, television contributor, voice artist, and communications professional, she's become a trusted voice on love, culture, and personal growth, with appearances in Essence, Ebony, Glamour, Men's Health, Cosmopolitan, The Washington Post, and other national outlets. Today, she continues telling impactful stories across radio, television, digital media, and news. In this episode, we discuss her remarkable journey, the legacy of The Love Zone, the evolution of media, and what continues to drive one of the most influential voices to ever come out of the DMV. This is LaDawn Black on Who Is.

This week on the Who Is Podcast, we welcome Baltimore's own Larian Finney, an entrepreneur, community leader, and visionary dedicated to creating opportunities and driving positive change throughout the city. Through his work in business, mentorship, and community development, Larian has built a reputation for turning ideas into action while empowering the next generation to dream bigger and achieve more. In this conversation, we discuss his journey, the lessons he's learned along the way, his passion for giving back to Baltimore, and his vision for building stronger communities through leadership, collaboration, and purpose especially in his new role at Pier 6 Pavillion. Get ready to meet the man behind the mission—this is Larian Finney on Who Is.

This week on the Who Is Podcast, we welcome a true hip-hop pioneer, Master Gee of the legendary Sugarhill Gang. As one of the voices behind the groundbreaking classic "Rapper's Delight," Master Gee helped introduce hip-hop to the world and played a pivotal role in transforming the culture into a global movement. Today, he's continuing that mission as a partner with the National Hip-Hop Museum, working to preserve and celebrate the history, legacy, and future of the genre for generations to come. In this exclusive conversation, we discuss the early days of hip-hop, the impact of one of music's most iconic records, his work to protect hip-hop's rich history, and why the culture's story is more important now than ever. This is the story of a pioneer, a visionary, and a living piece of hip-hop history—this is Master Gee on Who Is.

This week on the Who Is Podcast, we welcome one of the DMV's most respected and recognizable voices in radio and entertainment, DJ Analyze. As a celebrated radio personality, DJ, and cultural influencer, Analyze has spent years connecting audiences to the music, artists, and stories that define the region's vibrant culture. Known for his passion for hip-hop, his dedication to breaking new talent, and his ability to engage listeners both on and off the airwaves, he has become a trusted figure in the Washington, D.C. media landscape. In this conversation, DJ Analyze shares his journey from music enthusiast to influential broadcaster, discusses the evolution of radio in the digital age, and reflects on the importance of community, authenticity, and staying connected to the culture. Join Quick as we explore the career and impact of a true DMV media pioneer.

This week on the Who Is Podcast, Quick welcomes actor, recording artist, entrepreneur, and community advocate Trey Chaney. Best known for his memorable portrayal of Poot Carr on the groundbreaking HBO series The Wire, Trey has built a multifaceted career that extends far beyond the screen. From his early beginnings in the Washington, D.C. area to becoming a respected figure in film, television, music, and business, he has remained committed to inspiring others through perseverance, creativity, and purpose. In this candid conversation, Trey reflects on his journey through the entertainment industry, the lasting impact of The Wire, his passion for giving back to the community, and the lessons he's learned while navigating success on his own terms. Join us as we discover the story behind the artist, the actor, and the man known as Trey Chaney.