(MENAFN- Arab News) MOHAMMED HASAN better known as DJ Outlaw has been in the music game for over 18 years. Hailing from Bahrain Outlaw kept working continuously on improving and educating himself to become Bahrain's finest DJ/producer. He holds Bahrain down as they say and he has also established 'Outlaw Productions' which is a label that supports local and regional artists. Arab News sat down with DJ Outlaw and had the below exclusive interview:

What inspired you to become a producer/DJ?
When I was younger I fell in love with music when I heard Michael Jackson's 'Dangerous' and Kriss Kross' 'Totally Krossed Out' albums. From there I started to feed my passion for music and began DJ-ing in 1997. In 1999 I decided I want to take music to the next level and just DJ-ing wasn't enough anymore so I got into production. From there continuous growth became very important to me and I had my mind set on shaping the scene and eventually industry in Bahrain and the region. So in 2002 I started Outlaw Productions to do just that and find artists that are just as passionate as I am. The rest is history!

Growing up in Bahrain there were no opportunities for the kind of art you did. How did you create those opportunities?
I always tell people that because when I started out there was no scene learning opportunities or support I fell flat on my face over and over! I had to figure things out for myself through trial and error that's why I had to do it all by myself from production promoting managing to videography etc... Basically it took a whole lot of consistency and hard work to get my name out there and eventually get recognition leading to different opportunities.

You have decided to quit your day job and focus on DJ-ing/production. Take us through that process.
It was about time! I decided that in order for me to really make my dreams a reality I had to give it 100 percent. It was definitely risky but it's a risk I'm glad I took! Since then I opened the new Outlaw Productions studio and have been much more focused on music.

How is the music scene in Bahrain? And in particular the hip-hop scene?
Bahrain has lots of talented artists. As a music scene in general there's a variety of artists from all genres that are really good at what they do which is great to see. The hip-hop scene specifically is small and has a long way to go. In general there's progress it's growing by the day and it's good to see that more and more artists are comfortable with putting themselves out there than before.

You have hosted a mixtape series called 'The Middle East invasion.' How did this idea come up? And what has been the feedback?
The Middle East Invasion has grown to become the region's biggest and most anticipated mixtape series! When I first started it the goal was to put together the best of Arab hip hop with the newcomers that I saw had potential and showcase it to the world free of charge! With every volume the feedback got bigger and getting featured got tougher with more and more talented artists submitting their music. So far I've released six volumes and counting!

What does Outlaw Productions mean to you?
Outlaw Productions is one of my proudest accomplishments! It went from being a home studio in my bedroom to an officially registered company and a state-of-the-art studio. It's definitely a big part of my life and an empire in the making. The team and I are working day in and day out to build it!

Are you getting support from local media in Bahrain?
Media support has definitely come a long way since I started out doing music about 18 years ago! I've been noticing that different publications have been getting more and more interested in Outlaw Productions with every project we put out.

You have few artists signed to your label. What do you have planned for them for the remaining of the year? And are you on the look out to sign a new talent?
Each one of the artists is getting projects ready for this year and next year. Flipp is currently working on his sophomore studio album as well as a single coming out soon. Daffy's new single is getting done as well and we're about to start working on its music video. Coco is working on her album as well and Arabique is getting an EP ready. I'm always on the look out for new talent! Whether or not I sign them depends on various factors but I'm always open for demo submissions on my website www.djoutlaw.com.

You just released a 'Cypher Track' called 'AWA' which stands for Arabs With Attitude; what inspired you to produce/create this record? and what was the process of choosing the MCs that are on it?
I am always down for projects that unites the artists in the region AWA was of those. Putting together some of the best that never have been on a track together. It took me about six months to finish off the track. The process of choosing the artists was to see who is the hottest in each country and who can spit lyrics; this track was to bring back hip-hop and show the world that we have lyrical artists while reminding the region that we can make hardcore hip-hop tracks away from the radio tracks I have been doing. At the end of the day I am an old school hip-hop head the boom bap beat and lyrics is what I grew up to.

What can we find on Outlaw MP3 player?
Lots of old school hip hop! I listen to different types of music but mostly hip hop and R&B especially old school classic records.

Earlier this year you and Flipp opened up to one of the legends in the game DMC from RUN DMC. How did that feel?
A dream come true! It was an honor opening and sharing the stage with one of the biggest hip hop icons to walk the planet. DMC is one of my all-time favorites so it was definitely a big deal!

What are your thoughts on the Arab hip-hop scene?
There are a lot of talented artists on the scene with a ton of potential and if you look back to about five years ago the scene came a very long way. People have become more accepting of the idea of Arab hip hop. A big reason for that is the artists who have been working hard to help shape the scene. There are quite a few artists out there that I think have world-class potential! We still have a long way to go to transform it from a scene into an industry but we'll get there.

Who do you think will break out from the Arab hip hop scene?
I cannot name one artist like I mentioned above a lot of artists have huge potential in the region so it's a matter of who will get the opportunity first.

Tell us something not a lot of people know about you.
I never studied music until about a year ago! I did a few online courses in different music-related disciplines. Before that I never had the chance to get any sort of music education.

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