Review Fix Exclusive: Carl Byrd Talks Rise of the Blend Panther

Review Fix chats with DJ Carl Byrd, who breaks down his new Mix Tape, Rise of the Blend Panther.

Review Fix: How did you know a career in music was for you?

Carl Byrd: My father was a musician. My mom has sung in church choirs all her life. But some of my most fondest memories come from family parties. Watching my family dancing and discussing the music that they were into, especially with my father. Hearing his thoughts and opinions from a musician’s perspective. Also when I got into breakdancing, learning about the elements of hip hop (breakdancing, Dj-ing, mc-ing, and graffiti), I knew I wanted to get into hip hop and music in some form.

Review Fix: Who inspires you creatively?

Byrd: Listening to other DJs. All of my other interests have inspired me in some way, shape, or form. I take ideas from anywhere and just flip it into my own and just get creative.

Review Fix: How did this mix tape come to be?

Byrd: Djs have been making blend mixtapes forever. Possibly since the golden age of hip hop. Growing up, you would hear everyone listening to Dj Juice’s mixtapes. So when I started, it was one of my goals to put one out. So I wanted to wait until I was good enough and got my name out there more and decided, along with Dj Lem, that it was time to put it out.

Review Fix: How are your mixes different or special?

Byrd: My mixes are special because it’s a reflection of who I am as a blerd (black nerd). I’m a huge wrestling fan and I included that and blended it with hip hop. I put two of my passions into one. Also with this mixtape, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Review Fix: Sell us. Sell us hard. 

Byrd: Rise Of The Blend Panther has many blends (or mash-ups) that everyone can enjoy. You can listen to it everywhere at anytime and have a good time doing so. There’s a song for every mood that you’re in. You can vibe, dance, reminisce and most of all, SMILE!!!!

Review Fix: Who do you think will dig your work the most?

Byrd: I would say the 30-55 demographic. They grew up in that era where dj’s made blend mixtapes. But there’s music for everyone. Different genres, from different eras all in one. 

Review Fix: How do you want your mixes to be remembered?

Byrd: I would like for them to be remembered for the way they stood out from all of the rest. You’ll never hear Roman Reign’s entrance theme with Aaliyah’s “We Need A Resolution” anywhere else. Only a hip hop loving wrestling fan would do something so outlandish like that. 

Review Fix: What are your long-term goals for your work?

Byrd: Simply to use my platforms for the betterment of my community. I grew up going to after school programs that exposed me to so much positivity. I feel that it is our duty as human beings to provide that for the next generation. People have done it for me and I’m proud to do it for others.

Review Fix: Why should someone support your work?

Byrd: My work provides a place for others to be safe and talk about the passions, hobbies and interests that they’re into. On the Codex Prime Podcast, we have had many guests from all different walks of life come on and simply have a good time just talking and also learning. I believe my work creates a place of positivity and everyone loves positivity.

Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?

Byrd: Check out the Codex Prime Podcast. My partner Victor Omoayo and I discuss things all nerd culture with a variety of guests. It’s a fun experience for all. Also, if you follow me on social media (@mrbyrd1027), you can keep up with all of the happenings in my world.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Byrd: Well I recently became the resident Dj for RAW Artists showcase. Where local artists from all walks of life can showcase their talents. The Rhode Island Midnight Basketball League will be going on all summer, many podcast meet ups and wrestling events. And also hopefully I’ll be moderating some panels at this year’s Rhode Island Comic Con. And I can’t forget the National Fleet Dj Conference in North Carolina. I’m every excited for this summer. 

Review Fix: Where can people find out more?

Byrd: You can find me on all social media platforms under @mrbyrd1027. You can also listen to the Codex Prime Podcast on all podcasting platforms. Also you can follow me on Mixcloud at @mrbyrd1027!!!!

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About Patrick Hickey Jr. 14230 Articles
Patrick Hickey Jr. is a full-time Assistant Professor of Communication & Performing Arts and Director of the Journalism program at Kingsborough Community College and is the chairman of the City University of New York Journalism Council. He is the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of ReviewFix.com. He's also a former News Editor at NBC Local Integrated Media and National Video Games Writer at Examiner.com where his work was mentioned in National Ad campaigns by Disney, Nintendo and EA Sports. Hickey was also the Editor-In-Chief of two College Newspapers before he received his BA in Journalism from Brooklyn College. Hickey's work has been published in The New York Daily News, The New York Times, Complex, The Hockey Writers, Yahoo!, Broadway World, Examiner, NYSportScene Magazine, ProHockeyNews.com, GothamBaseball.com, The Syracuse Post-Standard, Scout.com and the official sites of the Brooklyn Aces and New York Islanders. His first book, The Minds Behind the Games: Interviews With Cult And Classic Video Game Developers was released in April 2018 and is chock full of interviews with legendary developers. His second book in the series, The Minds Behind Adventures Games, was released in December 2019. His third book, The Minds Behind Sports Games, was released in September 2020. His fourth book, The Minds Behind Shooter Games, was released in March 2021. The Minds Behind Sega Genesis Games and The Minds Behind PlayStation Games were released in 2022 and The Minds Behind PlayStation 2 was published in January 2023. Hickey is also a contracted comic book writer, currently penning his original series, "Condrey," as well as "The Job," "Brooklyn Bleeds" "Dem Gulls" and "KROOM" for Legacy Comix, where he serves as founder, owner and Editor-in-Chief. Hickey Jr. is also a voice actor, having starred in the 2018 indie hit and 2019 Switch, PS4 and Xbox One release, The Padre (also serving as English language Story Editor), from Shotgun With Glitters. The sequel, The Padre: One Shell Straight to Hell was released in February 2021- Hickey also served as a Story Editor and Lead Voiceover performer. He has also done narration and trailers for several other titles including The Kaiju Offensive, Relentless Rex and Roniu’s Tale. Hickey is also the lead voiceover performer on Mega Cat Studios’ upcoming title WrestleQuest, responsible for nearly 90 characters in the game, as well as Skybound's Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood, where he voices both Dracula and Renfield, as well as several other characters. He also stars in Ziggurat Interactive’s World Championship Boxing Manager 2, where he performs the VO of nearly every male character in the game. He also worked on the Atari VCS’s BPM Boy.

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