Tucson DJ and hip hop enthusiast Pike Romero has been doing a lot with Tucson’s hip hop community, focusing on local artists and for some time. From B-Boys and B-Girls to producers and DJs, Romero likes to curate interesting, and at times off beat, events and hip hop shows in Tucson. Romero is also creator of WeAreBugginOut and director of the Tucson Hip Hop Festival.

What was the first concert you attended?

It was my friends band but I can’t remember my friends band name. Ummmmm, I’m just gonna say the first major show that I went to, but now I can’t remember the name of the tour…. Oh, it was at the Rialto and it was De La Soul, Biz Markie, The Pharcyde and it was the… nope, I can say that one because I went to a jam, a b-boy jam at the downtown Y and it was before this.

What was the first album you owned?

In my mind, I remember getting a Fat Boys tape. I think I was four and I got it at the swap meet and now I’m trying to remember the name of that Fat Boys tape, I think it’s just Fat Boys. I use to play it over and over and I remember specifically getting it at the swap meet with my dad. It was Crushin'.

What are you listening to these days?

The latest thing I’ve been listening to is SNOH AALEGRA. The new Common. On my way here I was listening to Public Enemy’s "It Takes a Nation." I mean everything! I’ve been listening to "Black Beatles" a lot by Rae Sremmurd it's a good song.

What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?

That’s a tough one man, 'cause I’m really open and I really don't  judge others opinions of their art. I’m just trying to think of something that really annoys me but I don't think I have something!

What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?

I would’ve like to have seen Public Enemy in the heyday, late '80s early '90s. Nirvana as a whole I would’ve like to have seen.

What is your favorite guilty pleasure?

I think until I heard about SoundCloud rappers or SoundCloud rap, I didn’t know anything about it and now it has grown so much that it’s kinda the popular music to listen to so, cloud rap or SoundCloud rap.

What song would you like to have played at your funeral?

“Always and Forever” by Heatwave. That’s just my favorite song ever, of all time.

What artist changed your life and how?

Tupac is first artist that stands in my mind, but I don't really don't know how. Granted he was pretty vulgar and misogynistic with his lyrics but he also had a sense of being human and I related to him for some reason at the age of 12 and 13 you know.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?