1. For people who may not know you, or what you do, tell us a little about yourself.
"My name is Emilio Sparks. I was born and raised in SHAOLIN (Staten Island, NY). I want to be a billionaire playboy, an industrialist and a philanthropist. I host a program over at the College of Staten Island entitled The Emilio Sparks Experience (http://wsia.csi.cuny.edu/). I also do a talk/hip hop and rock based podcast through the Dog and Pony Show (http://daps.tv.). In the last year I have consistently been on the NYC scene doing live interviews at shows and in-studio. My video interviews are routinely posted on high traffic blogs such as The Smoking Section, Herfection, NahRight, 2DopeBoyz, ON Smash and RapRadar. To see some of these interviews you can check out http://www.youtube.com/degocast or http://vimeo.com/user413049. My approach and insight has earned me the nickname "The Charlie Rose of Hip-Hop"throughout the blogosphere."
2. How did you begin you career as a radio personality?
"Haha, this story goes back a few years. When I was 12, I broke my arm, and had to get steel plates to fix it. My summer was ruined at that point, so my next door neighbor gave me his old Sony boom box to pass the time. I was searching through the radio dial one day, and stumbled across Opie and Anthony. I was hooked on the show instantly. What they were doing sounded like the best job ever. I remember how great the direction of topics flowed and how easy it was for them to have so many peoples attention with just words. I knew I wanted to make that my career."
3. You're also connected to the media through your blog http://emiliosparks.com, explain how it came about, and what made you create it?
"We live in an age where the computer is a daily necessity and therefore, my boy Callender suggested I blog. The good folks over at the Dog and Pony Show believed in what I was doing and created EmilioSarks.com. My site represents my personality. I touch base on many things. For example, I enjoy girls, comic books, professional wrestling and hip-hop. But the site isn't limited to just those topics. I enjoy the freedom the site allows me to have. I'm a strong advocate of the First Amendment. Freedom of Speech is key."
4. Being a radio personality has its perks, one being you get to interview celebrities pretty often, whose the one person you hope to add to your list, and why?
"I'm gonna cheat and little bit and go all out with this one. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon would be such a great interview. I really believe he's an evil genius. He took pro wrestling and made it a part of pop culture. That's crazy when you really think about it. I would also love to interview Russell Simmons. He is one of the original Hip Hop entrepreneurs. Def Jam was such an important factor in making Hip Hop flourish back then, and a lot of credit goes to Russell Simmons for that. I wish I could have interviewed and drank scotch with Frank Sinatra. He is a true legend and one of New York's most important icons."
5. What does a normal day in the life of Emilio Sparks consist of?
"The first thing I do when I wake is roll over, grab my blackberry, text my girlfriend, check my emails and twitter replies lol. I'll channel surf, check the blogs, listen to tracks that get sent to me, then exercise and then go to work. It’s a dull and non exciting day usually, but sometimes it's fun. I don't do much, but I do it all with style and grace."
6. With you working around music and seeing the influence it has first hand, which artist in your opinion has made the biggest impact in the last 5 years?
"Kanye West. No question. He's made an impact on music and not only in Hip Hop. Kanye West isn't just a hip-hop star, he's a pop star. He embodies pop culture. Kanye West makes music that the masses can enjoy, and he does it in a way that isn't sugar coated or bubble gum. He stays true to himself and it works for everyone. Whether you think he's egotistical or a jerk or whatever people think of him, he's incredibly talented and has the Midas touch when it comes to making music. Flashing Lights is one of the most brilliant songs of the decade. He's got a great mind."
7. I've noticed that you are heavy on the internet, and what it has to offer, name some of Emilio's favorite sites.
"Pretty much a lot of blogs, DAPS.tv, cloudkickeroriginal.com, a few comic book websites and Olivia Munn’s website. I have an unhealthy obsession with her haha."
8. Three things you couldn't complete the day without are:
"KICKS, CHICKS & PORNO FLICKS. That's actually the name of my new upcoming album. It'll be released sometime in September. It's a good one. Definitely."
9. What can we expect from Emilio Sparks in the near and distant future?
"World domination. Haha, honestly...just quality material, whether it's my radio programming or my music. I work to the best of my abilities. Maybe, I'll delve into acting for a bit too. I want that Vinny Chase money."
10. What encouraging words do you have for anyone who may want to follow in your footsteps, and become and successful radio personality/dj?
"You gotta study. You have to know the craft. You must learn about the past and respect it. Know your material. Work hard, and speak your mind. Don't get frustrated. Not everyone is going to gain success over night. To me, conversation is an art form. You have to master it. I don't hold back on anything. If you wanna be risqué, be risqué. There are a lot of things peopleare afraid to touch base on. We are supposed to be a voice of reason. People rely on our voices."
