Motivation
EZ Jase has a saying, "Make it happen like Diff." I always wondered who or what Diff was. I took it upon myself to find out, and I've decided to share the secret with you. Diff gained his name from always using the phrase, "I'm different." He keeps the idea of individuality behind all he says and does. Diff only gets called his birth name by his mother, grandmother, and a small select few. He has been into Hip Hop since elementary school, but a deeper involvement began in high school with car stereos. Although he experimented with different music ventures, it was his brother's (Jon Hart) creation of Make It Happen Entertainment record label (M.I.H.) that made him dive and swim in the Hip Hop culture.

M.I.H. is based out of Harrisburg, which is not only Diff's birthplace, but also a few miles from his current residence in York. His main responsibility at M.I.H. is to be an A&R, although he sometimes takes the task on as a booking agent. Working with family can be frustrating, stressful and downright annoying, but Diff is comfortable with his brother's position as the CEO of M.I.H., "I don't want the responsibility of being the head person." Diff is very close to his brother, which provides a foundation for a strong, solid company. M.I.H.'s resume includes a compilation titled Da Ambush, which hit us in 2000. Next up is Life Music & Paper, which is the next compilation to be released from the M.I.H. Crew. Diff describes it as, "Hip Hop in the future, with all different genres." Unlike many of our local independent labels or entertainment companies, M.I.H. goes outside of the tri-state to form support. They've had success pushing their music in Ohio, Virginia, New Jersey and many other states. In addition to devoting his musical talent to M.I.H., Diff dabbles in production. He helped mix the latest album by Penhead entitled Paramount, released on Higher Realm Entertainment, as well as past and present compilations from M.I.H. He credits Jay Allen of Heist Productions for his education in production. Seeing how music has grown over the years has intensified and multiplied Diff's love for the game. He wants to get more involved in the engineering aspect, and hopes to do so through future opportunities at M.I.H. There are no limits to his expectations of himself and as he puts it, "There are no limits of this company. I just want to play my position on a loyal team and remain a productive part of this music world."

Unconditional Love
His love for Hip Hop is natural. He's never been a deejay or an emcee, due to his shy nature and inability to get in front of crowds. That doesn't mean he bites his tongue. "If I don't feel comfortable with something, I'll speak up. I don't care what people say or think; I still rock a permanent crease." Say it ain't so! Being outspoken has gotten him further in life, because he went about it the right way. Communication is the key and backbone to everything, especially being part of an independent company.

The skills that he applies to his business, are also the skills he applies in his home. Diff has to be role model for lil' Diff who he's raised since infancy. Raising his son ranks at the top of his list of biggest accomplishments. As a parent, Diff has committed himself to nurturing his son the right way. "It's in the home, all in how you raise your child." Diff makes sure that his child understands what he does, why he does it, and what it means. His value of family is held in high regards, and he will do everything possible to make sure it stays there. In a world where families are constantly breaking up, it's nice to know a percentage of people keep focus on the home. Describing the balance of time between family and business, Diff says, "One of the major downfalls about being in Hip Hop is the much non-replaceable time you spend away from your loved ones." But somehow, someway, Diff finds a way to connect the love of music and the love for his family.

The Whole Picture
According to Diff, the lack of creativity, response to criticism,, and territorial jealousy contribute to the reason Hip Hop is in a state of 911. "50% of people will tell you something is good, because you are in their face. People need to loosen up and realize they can't please everyone." He also thinks those that go out of their realm to fit a consumer mold risk the chance of their music being classified as trash. He does hold out hope for Hip Hop in the form of the new batch of emcees that have popped up recently. Radio on the other hand is a form of media that sickens him, "I don't want to hear a song 80 times a day." Bottom line, he feels more people should support independent music.

While Diff admits his attitude and temper can get the best of him, he doesn't dwell. "When you can't change certain things, you have to move on." He will disagree and give his opinion. That shows how serious he is about what he does. Diff's tolerance for fabrication is low. He is honest regardless if it hurts your feelings. One of Diff's biggest influences is his brother Jon. Though their opinions vary at times, Diff tells me his brother's optimism balances out his occasional negativity. His quick reaction to things has brought him some backlash. He explains, "I can deal with the consequences later if it makes me feel good." Isn't that a line out of a Bobby Brown song? If not, it should be!

Among his list of Hip Hop greats are KRS-ONE, 9ine, Big Daddy Kane, Common, Chino XL, C-BO and Talib Kweli. He counts Rah Digga and Lady of Rage as two females that have been underrated. Diff is doing his share to further Hip Hop in a positive light, one step at a time. Regardless if you are an established emcee or local battle emcee, he won't overlook your effort. Diff is caring and humorous, but if things need to be done, he makes sure they are in his own way. Look closely, good people are hard to find. Now I understand making it happen like Diff!

Contact Diff at LOCKEMDIZZOWN@aol.com

Article by Deesha
November, 2002