His name is The Legendary Chris Washington. He's currently a DJ on 107.5FM WBLS in New York City. After graduating from Cardinal Hayes High School, this Bronx born and raised master mixer headed to Washington, DC where he attended Howard University (graduated with BA – Broadcast Journalism in 1992). In his former life Washington served as the Manager for Urban College Marketing for Atlantic Records, Director of Promotion for VP Records and Marketing Consultant to Capitol Records. He believes his true area of expertise is music and college marketing. He's had a major impact in the music industry and and is most proud of the 150+ college reps and interns that he's discovered, developed and trained over the last 15 years.
LIQUID got a chance to catch up with The Legendary and he let us know what makes him tick and what he loves about The Big Apple. Here's what he told us...
What sets you apart from the rest in your industry?
One of the things that sets me apart is my actual thinking when it comes to music and DJing. I don’t think like anyone else, therefore I don’t play like anyone else. I think the Art & Craft of DJing is a thinking DJs game. Always planning the next step for your listeners.
What is your passion?
My passion is Sports, Music and Howard University. While I like other things, that's what REALLY gets my juices flowing.
What do you like best about living in your city, and why?
I like the options that New York City has to offer at all times. It is truly the city that never sleeps and while I might sleep it’s good to know that the options are stlill there Monday thru Sunday. I also like the fact that I play baseball and I have an over abundace of choices of sports leagues to play in..I love that.
What are a few of your favorite restaurants, and why?
Spoonbread (I just love Norma Jean) she is my official go to caterer and I love the Soul Food. Another favorite is Rack and Soul, the chef there use to cater our lunches at Atlantic Records. Let me tell you, that man knows how to fry some chicken and his BBQ sauce is delish! For my sweet tooth it's gotta be Make My Cake, she is my baker and I’ve been getting my cakes from her since she was baking out of her apartment. When I need my Red Velvet Cake it’s the only place on my list. At the end of the day I'm a cheeseburger type of guy, so I've gotta have Jackson Hole on the list. Their burgers are BIG and fricken awesome.
Where is your favorite area/place to shop, and why?
I’m NOT much of a shopper but it would have to be Woodbury Commons.. Two reasons why..Outlet Stores and Niketown.. enough said.
Where are some of the best places to people watch in NYC?
Rockefeller Center. OMG, nothing beats seeing the beautiful people there. Close second..Union Square, it’s just a bizarre mix of an eclectic cast of characters.
What places would you consider to be a “best kept secret” in your city?
WAVE HILL…by far one of the cities gems in the Bronx over looking the Hudson River. It’s absolutely one of my favorite places ever.
Where is your favorite getaway?
Martha’s Vineyard. Hands down my favorite place to be other than New York City. It’s just a surreal environment with no pretence. l love the escape from the city, it ‘s my spot, followed by Washington, DC. My school is there, my people are there so I always enjoy going home. The third is my sleeper pick unless you really know me. The Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY. Let me tell you this old style Victorian hotel that sits in the Mountains of New York over looking the lake is literally one of the best places ever.
THE LIQUID FIVE What are your favorite people, places and things in NYC
1. Citi Field - I'm a Mets Fan. And the field has real grass (remember, I love baseball).
2. Grand Central Station
3. A Good party with people who dance like no one is watching Favorite people
4. New York City Street Fairs (there's nothing like them anywhere).
5. The streets on New York. That's an experience in itself.
** The Twin Towers - I know they're gone but they were always my favorite landmark. I do a lot of traveling out of town and whenever I saw the Towers coming up in the distance as I returned, I knew I was home. That has since been replaced by the Empire State Building. Favorite Things Sporting Events (see NY Mets or NJ Jets), City Street Fairs (Nothing like them anywhere).
** My mom, Dad, grandpa and wife are all New Yorkers so they take the top slot.. the fitth slot I’ll reserve for all the DJs that I love to listen too and that make me dance (they know who they are)
That's My New York!
