Fresh from the 2015 Global Spin Awards ceremony, L.A.’s hit-maker DJ Mustard rocked a packed crowd at the official after-party presented by Coors. Onlookers were treated to cameo performances from Ty Dolla $ign, A$AP Ferg, Mack Wilds and Uncle Murda just before Fabolous closed out the show.

But just before taking the stage, the Roc Nation phenom stopped by to share his thoughts on the awards and what it means for DJ culture as a whole. “I’m blessed to be nominated amongst all the other great DJs. We never have anything that’s catered to the DJs and this is something that’s strictly for us. Everyone gets together to show love, without any egos involved. It’s really a lot of unity; basically an entire brother & sisterhood among DJs. The Culture is always getting bigger and bigger. Now there are DJs going out there and rocking shows and turning up by themselves and stuff like that.”

And “turning up” is this 25 year old’s specialty, as he’s been one of the go-to producers for a smash single. In fact, there’s an upcoming collaboration with pop star Brittany Spears that’s generated plenty of buzz. “Man, everyone keeps asking me about that s**t. It’s crazy [laughs]. All I know is that it’s gonna be a big song. I love it. I said on Twitter the other day that it’s coming soon, but I’m just talking. Hopefully they put it out soon, but I dunno. The work is done, so I’m assuming that it’ll be soon.” While we await the song’s release, fellow Pu$haz Ink label-mate Ty Dolla $ign’s “Saved” is buzzing in the streets along with iLoveMakkonen’s "2nd" Chance” starting to take off. DJ Mustard’s been pretty busy.

“Man, I’ve got so many surprises with some really big artists that I don’t even wanna ruin by talking about it. But just know that I’ve got something really special coming at the top of the year with one of the rowdiest, turnt up, craziest rappers out! He’s a real cool rapper and a very good friend of mine. I’m dropping that during the first week of the New Year. After that I’ve got something coming in addition to records with everyone else; just a lotta, lotta big names!”

One of the big names dropping a new project is New York’s own Jadakiss. The forthcoming album Top 5 Dead or Alive has stirred the debate of the best MCs of All-Time conversation, which Mustard was sure to weigh in on.

“Not in order: Tupac, Biggie, Hov, Drake and…[long pause] I don’t know. I’m gonna have to let that fifth one float [laughs].” While that fifth position was left vacant, the beatsmith elaborated on his selections. “Drake is just an incredible rapper, all the way around. Hov is just the greatest and Tupac was the realest. Biggie was 'the one.' He had that swag, and was so dope at painting pictures. He really let us all know that you can make it out the hood and come from nothing.”

DJ Mustard has definitely taken a page from the notorious one’s playbook, as he’s risen to become one of hip hop’s elite producers in today’s game. And with all the accolades he’s achieved thus far, there is still one goal left to accomplish. “I’m trying to win a Grammy. So whatever it is I’ve gotta do, that’s where I’m locked in at.” 

(Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Coor's Light)