DJ Karizma of Kohesive

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DJ Karizma 03.28.04

This story is a story that I just couldn't wait any longer to share with you House music lovers. DJ Karizma, former Basement Boy and now head of his own Kohesive Productions, has played his way to the top of the class. He has been called by some as a dj's deejay. DJ Karizma has been a resident dj of this website(blackbookscafe.com) and the Soul Fiesta for a long time. He is also a buddy and friend of mine. Because of that I have been very cautious not to appear biased. Sometimes overly cautious. Over the last couple of weeks I've noticed some things that I just couldn't keep in any longer. So as you read on please understand that I am relaying this to you as a lover of House music and that sometime you have to give credit where credit is definitely due.

DJ Karizma, or Kris as he is also known by friends, is a Baltimorean who has been dj'ing since he was 13. He has been on Baltimore radio and played in just about all the major clubs in the Baltimore area. He has many productions/re-mix credits to his name from tons of work with the Basement Boys to Black Vinyl records to his latest "The Ride" EP on Defected Records. A little over a year ago and no longer with the Basement Boys, this dj/producer found himself on a journey to take his skills and Kohesive Productions to new heights. I became aware of this journey at the Sky Lounge early in 2003. It was me and a few other friends of Karizma's & the BBC....and I do mean a few. Because of consistency and excellent House music this party has grown into one of the most, intimate, long-running, weekly and soulful House nights in the Baltimore/DC area. It has become a place where some of the loudest House heads around flock to. Over the last few weeks in March, beginning with the Soul Fiesta, I've noticed dj Karizma's talents whipping dancers into a screaming frenzy. This continued at his birthday party at the Sky Lounge on March 25th where, accompanied by one of the guitarists(Wayne) from his Basement Boys days, created a concert like atmosphere. All the way up until playing at the hiatus party for Ultra Nate's "Sugar", he has been in a zone. Sort of like when Michael Jordan use to do his thing on the basketball court. His personal re-edit of "I Got Rhythm" will forever be the mix that I remember had dancers yelling like Janet Jackson just removed all of her clothes.

I must say that watching what he does for over a year, and seeing him grow as a dj, he has become much bigger than just a good dj from Baltimore. Talent is talent and I feel fortunate to witness this first hand. So, the reason why we do what we do at the blackbookscafe.com is so local House heads will feel proud of world-class talents living right in their own hometown. I give you Karizma of Kohesive productions and resident dj of the "Soul Fiesta".