BY PHONZ L. THOMAS

When most people think of Quddus, they automatically remember his years spent as a VJ on MTV’s “Total Request Live” music countdown.  “When I first got my job as a VJ there I didn’t even realize how much my life would change ‘cause I grew up in Canada and hadn’t really been exposed to the phenomenon around it. It was such a great experience. I learned a lot about how to make good Television and I built relationships that carry on to this day,” states Quddus. Since his departure from “TRL” in 2006, Quddus has been making major moves in media and the music industry; hosting on “TVOne Access”, “Access Hollywood” and most recently an online series on AOL Teens titled “Cambio Connect.” Acting and A&R work with a record label have also been positions the Canadian native has held; having been noted for discovering R&B sensation Mateo.  Most recently filmmaking and blogging about music are his latest projects thanks to TheQSide.com. “The Q Side happened naturally. One of my favorite things to do has always been sharing great music so when a friend suggested I put all that music on one site I ran with it,” says Quddus.

The Q Side is the ultimate source for music enthusiasts who seek refuge from the mundane machine many consider the music industry to be today. For those looking for mix tapes, free downloads, and to fulfill that fix for music that’s often not heard on commercial radio stations, The Q Side provides something totally different and new. Viewers obtain insight into the artists and groups they love with exclusive footage, live performances, random inspirations and in-depth interviews that serves as ecstasy for music lovers’ while online. Quddus has been a music fan for years, proclaiming, “I fell in love with music early. I have memories of hearing Paul Simon and Bob Marley around our house when I was 4. It’s a good thing my folks had good taste in music!” It may come as a surprise this man who’s sat down with an array of celebrities in the music biz, originally had envisioned other plans for his life growing up. “I actually wanted to play basketball in the NBA but then I started deejaying,” explains Quddus. He continues, “Things really changed when I did my first mixtape. It was just for fun and to give to my friends but when it got around and I heard the feedback, I realized there might be something more to it than just a hobby.”

Many turn to Quddus for his opinion and insight on mainstream music of today. Young Money Entertainment exploded on the scene in 2009 with their album, We Are Young Money, and the frenzy has not stopped since. With Nicki Minaj and Canadian rapper Drake still dominating the charts, we asked Quddus his thoughts on the Young Money movement remaining on top throughout 2011.  “Yeah, I don’t really see them slowing down anytime soon,” explains Quddus. He continues, “I think G.O.O.D. Music is going to be right up there with them this year considering Kanye is dropping another album and Big Sean and Common will be dropping new albums too,” states Quddus. These days, Quddus’ iPod has an over abundance of music. Like most, he has his favorites that get played on heavy rotation.  “A lot of different stuff like Miike Snow, J. Cole, Kings Of Leon, Cee Lo and this dope new group called Mansions On The Moon,” states Quddus. He continues, “I’d love to hear something new from Stevie Wonder. His last album, A Time to Love came out in 2005. It’s been too long Stevie. We miss you man.” 

Throughout his career, Quddus’ success in media has come with many perks of traveling. “I’ve gotten to see so many amazing places and in such a unique way. I mean, I just went on tour through Latin America with the Jonas Brothers. It’s kind of ridiculous that what I do is classified as work,” explains Quddus. Also during his career span, we’ve seen many hairstyles from him as well. From the curly fro, to cornrows, and tapered up low there were times Quddus looked like a different person. But lately, he’s been keeping up a shorter style that he’s happy with. “Having that mop on my head during my MTV days required way more time in the shower than I care to spend,” as he laughs. As our time winds down with Quddus, we ask him what’s on the horizon for him; maybe a little reality television series of his day-to-day activities? “I’d definitely consider it. It’s a fun life I’m getting to live so I guess it’s only right to share it,” he replies. He continues by saying, “I had such a good time directing music videos for Mateo and Erin Christine in 2010 so I’m doing a lot more of that, really embracing being a filmmaker. My next step is a short film that I’m writing,” he explains. Hmm, maybe he’ll go back to his acting roots in that case? (Remember when he was on “Half and Half” and “Girlfriends”?) “Definitely. It’s a little too early to talk about it but when it happens it’ll be some kind of wonderful!”