Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly “TOP NOTCH” Buchanan.
Hi TOP NOTCH, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, my name is Kelly “TOP NOTCH” Buchanan. I am born and raised in Nashville Tennessee. My mother SHIRLEY BUCHANAN sang with Boby Jones and My uncle Robert Odum was the owner of one of the best clubs in Nashville during the 70s and 80s (SATUDAYS). MUSIC IS IN MY BLOOD.I have been DJING and entertaining for over 20 years. I started as a part of THE C.M.F. a group of DJs, producers and MCs. Along with DJ LIL LES, DJ BOOTS and DJ CHERRIO. We independently distributed to over 500 record stores nationwide from 1995 to 2005. I also worked street teams for NO LIMIT, LAFACE RECORDS and also was one of the heads of street promotions for THE LATE RALOW-B . from 2005 to 2003 one of the founders of N.B.O (NEW BLOCK ORDER) a collective of over 30 entertainers that worked together helping each other navigate through our music journey. With 187 BLITZ, THE BROADWAY RAPPER, MIC WISE and 28 we put on shows at venues like THE MUSE, The Rutledge and many venues in Nashville. 2009 I travel to Ireland for a show and spent almost a year in Europe putting on shows. We did a fund raiser for children at DEAN CROW HALL in Athlone Ireland. I returned to the states and stared in a independent Film by David COWBOY Karrie called MONEYMAKERS. I played BIG MAN in this film about 4 teenage boys trying to make it out of the street life in 2010. (winner of the international black film festival in California). I was a member of the FOLK HOP BAND 3Rd Class (2010) we played the dead wood jam opening up for Everclear. We toured until 2013. My carrier took me to Broadway Nashville preforming with THE MAD HATTERS FINEST a country hip hop band in which I was the rapper and scratch dj using my turntables as percussion instrument. Shortly after that I joined MATT FERRANTI at the time who was guitar player for Brett Young. We mixed country R and b and hip hop. We had residency at Tin Roof, Barstool, Olé red, and many bars on the strip. We also got to open up for Brett Young as well as playing music festivals where we opened up for Nelly and Gary Lavox from Rascal Flatts. (11YEARS) I still play gigs with MATT FERRANTI but now he is keyboardist and guitar player for JELLY ROLL. So, we don’t play as many gigs together. Now I DJ downtown Nashville and I travel to dj events all over America. I am 1/4 of the group THE ELDERZ 90s style hip hop and DJ and rap with the jazz hip hop fusion band the Mythologix and I am a part of an all-vinyl DJ crew called GROOVE CONTROL. Also, I am nominated for slept on DJ of the year from the Southern entertainment awards my group the Elderz is also nominated for best group/label. Also, I have a TV show Cw 58 Nashville call THE TOP NOTCH EXPERIENCE. It airs every Sunday morning 12:30am. I highlight businesses, artist and community leaders also with a live performance at the end.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was hard, while I was pursuing my dream I also worked with kids at my mom’s daycare (Heart to Hart leaning center) so that took up a lot of my time. Needless to say, I didn’t sleep much. Lol
Also dealing with dishonest people can test you. I’ve lost so much money it’s ridiculous. But this is the life we signed up for. I feel like we all have struggles in life but without pain there would be no joy. I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. They are no mistakes just lessons.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a rapper,actor,musician and DJ.
I am mostly known for freestyle rapping and scratching on turn tables with a full band. I am most proud of the person I am. I try to help everyone that ask me and I don’t gate keep or talk down to anyone. The thing that sets me apart from anyone I was the first African American rapper to have multiple residences and many bars on Broadway bringing hip hop to the first floors of these places. This was unheard of in Nashville as you know most urban music is put on the rooftops with a dj.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
To collaborate or if you need a feature
you can text 615-753-8748 or email me at [email protected]
You can get to know THE ELDERZ at
www.theelderz.com Instagram @topnotch615
Pricing:
- 500 per verse for feature
- 150 per hour for djing you event
- 75 per hour dj work on your recording
- Booking MYTHOLOGIX jazz hip hop live band $3000 per 3 hour set.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theelderz.com
- Instagram:@topnotch615
- Facebook: TOP Notch
- Youtube: TopNotchtv615
- Other: https://youtu.be/MfiUTnAlukI
