Coalition DJs: 10 years of breaking hits

Since 2008, the Coalition DJs have built an unparalleled reputation as the most important curators in the Atlanta hip-hop scene. Founding members DJ Funky, DJ X-Rated, and DJ Nando earned success in their own right before Xavier Hargrove (DJ Big X) decided they should join forces. Now the crew of DJs is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. “Making it 10 years means a lot because I was told we wouldn’t last a year,” Hargrove says.

For years, hits from Atlanta rappers and producers that have dominated the airwaves worldwide got their start in Atlanta strip clubs. Nightlife staples  such as Jazzy T’s, Strokers, and Magic City have served as the proving grounds for up-and-coming talent. The Coalition DJs use these venues to break hit records from Atlanta rap legends such as T.I. and Jeezy to young sensations like Migos and Young Thug.

The crew also hosts a weekly New Music Monday networking event which gives new artists a platform to perform in front of hip-hop heavy hitters and receive candid feedback from other DJs. The events are hosted at some of the most iconic studios the city has to offer such as Patchwerk and Stankonia Studios. The long-running Monday meetup sees rappers from around the country showing their stuff in hopes of getting advice on songwriting, performing, and digital marketing.

Approaching their 10-year anniversary, the Coalition DJs have plenty to celebrate. Their efforts have helped Atlanta become a hip-hop cultural hub that sets trends across the globe and DJ Big X thinks they can keep it going. “Being that we wasn’t supposed to last a year, our future looks bright,” Hargrove says.  “I think we’ve finally assembled a group of DJs that are passionate about making a change.”

$20. 8 p.m. (doors). Mon., Jan. 22. Masquerade (Purgatory). 75 MLK Jr. Drive S.W. 404-577-8178. www.masq.com.