North Texas Daily

Alex Byrd

Staff Writer

The man of mystery, DJ Question Mark, is the answer to the occasionally monotonous music Denton bars have to offer. UNT rec and leisure studies alum Jeremy Tipton prides himself on spinning the perfect mix of old school hip-hop and retro hits joined with new and unknown records.

Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Tipton adapted to the heat of south Texas but never fully accepted the lack of musical variety on the radio stations.

“If you got lucky, you would get to hear Biggie or Snoop on our top-40 station, but that was really it,” he said.

While attending a funeral in Houston in 1999, Tipton experienced what he called a “gift and a curse” during his time there. At 14-years-old, his true passion for hip-hop music was awakened through the radio station 97.9 The Box.

In Tipton’s opinion, radio is nothing like it used to be.

“They’re trying to gain new followers by using old tactics,” he said.

While Tipton’s ultimate goal would be to play mixes as a radio personality, he would also like to stick with his own style of spinning, which is to “break records” or play songs that are not usually played on mainstream radio stations. The best DJs are ones that fail to compromise their skills with gimmicks, he said.

“It’s all about the music,” he said. “Learn how to rock the party first and then include the necessary additions.”

Tipton provides the soundtrack for Hailey’s ‘90s Night with artists ranging from 2 Pac, Blur, Cher and even Marilyn Manson to keep people guessing at all times and to avoid listening to the same thing every week. The fun happens on Tuesday nights for 18-year-olds who pay $5 and free for the older ‘90s babies that are drinking age.

“Rap-wise, I won’t play those vulgar songs that talk about having 10 women and 3 children because everyone isn’t trying to hear that,” he said. “But I’m also not playing music without lyrics either. It’s important to find that happy medium.”

While ‘90s Night is whimsical and random, his set on Wednesday nights at Fry Street’s Tavern Bar is more centered around old school and current hip-hop tracks, a few throwbacks and songs with a little techno as well. Tipton makes it a point to play music that everyone can enjoy—new and old.

“Anything you can think of, we play,” Tipton said.