We were lucky to catch up with Dom Savant recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Dom thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was Minor Issues with Classical The Great, also known as The Rappin’ Alaskan. It was the first tape he fully produced himself, and my role was to add drops. At the time, I didn’t really know what I was doing, and my initial attempt didn’t meet Class’s expectations. He challenged me to channel the energy of DJs like DJ Cue and DJ Drama—figures who played a crucial role in shaping mixtape culture.
Minor Issues also incorporated skits from movies as transitions, adding depth to the project. After that tape, I went on a mixtape run with three other artists—DJ RickGeez, MusicbyMercy, and Miquo. Each of them helped me refine my approach and develop my own mixtape style. That experience laid the foundation for my growth as a DJ and led to my work on Welcome to The Syndicate.
Dom, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Dominique Giovanni Hill, but in the DJ world, I go by Dom Savant. I’m a radio DJ, mixtape curator, independent artist advocate, and a high school social studies teacher, focused on amplifying underground hip-hop and bridging classic and modern sounds.
How I Got Into DJing
My journey began in Hampton, Virginia, in 2016, as a Strategic Communications major at Hampton University. I started working on internet radio as a senior project for Greengate Radio in Miami, Florida, and also served as an A&R rep for Valholla Entertainment, helping independent artists develop their sound and brand.
After my time at Greengate Radio, I transitioned to Flavanation Radio, continuing to build my craft while connecting with emerging artists. This led me to create The Syndicate, a platform dedicated to supporting independent artists. After starting in Virginia, I expanded to North Carolina, and as I grew my presence, the platform evolved into A Syndicate World once I began my radio journey at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (WUAG 103.1 FM).
My Radio Career
As a community DJ at UNCG, I started hosting my show, Syndicate.FM, which focuses on up-and-coming hip-hop artists and classic 80s & 90s hip-hop. The shift from The Syndicate to A Syndicate World reflected the growth of my platform and my ability to reach a wider audience. Additionally, I became a DJ at WXDU 88.7 FM at Duke University and expanded my reach through Obia Radio in Charlotte, an internet radio station, where I continue to provide exposure to independent artists.
What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart is my unique combination of being a high school social studies teacher and a DJ. My background in education allows me to connect with students and inspire a new generation of thinkers and creators. I use my DJ platform to also provide educational content and bridge the gap between learning and creativity.
Additionally, I specialize in curating mixtapes, hosting radio shows, and showcasing indie hip-hop talent. My background in Strategic Communications, A&R, and photography helps me develop and position artists for success, while my role as an educator brings a unique, purposeful approach to everything I do.
What I’m Most Proud Of
One of my proudest achievements is the evolution of The Syndicate into A Syndicate World, which allowed me to offer a platform for independent artists while continuing to grow my career as a DJ. I’m also proud of my growth in radio DJing and my ability to curate meaningful mixtapes that help artists reach broader audiences. Furthermore, my role as a high school social studies teacher has allowed me to empower my students with knowledge and inspire them to pursue their passions.
The Future of A Syndicate World
Soon, you all will see The Syndicate World on XM Radio, ideally on Shade 45 or Sound 42, where I’ll continue pushing the culture forward and giving independent artists the exposure they deserve.
What I Want People to Know
• I’m dedicated to amplifying real talent. If you’re an independent artist, I want to work with you to get your music heard.
• I tell stories through music. Every mix, show, or tape I curate is designed to take listeners on a journey.
• I’m always evolving. From internet radio to live DJing and teaching, I’m constantly growing and refining my craft.
If you love hip-hop, underground music, or discovering new artists, tune into Syndicate.FM and follow my journey!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the impact—seeing how my work resonates with people and gives a platform to voices that might not otherwise be heard. As a DJ and mixtape curator, I get to introduce listeners to underground and independent artists, helping them find new fans and grow their careers. There’s nothing like the feeling of breaking a new artist or song and seeing it take off.
Beyond that, the ability to tell stories through music is something I take pride in. Every mix, every radio show, and every project is an opportunity to create an experience, whether it’s through curated transitions, skits, or the way tracks flow together. It’s about building a vibe that connects with people on a deeper level.
On a personal level, being a creative allows me to constantly evolve and experiment. There are no limits to where I can take A Syndicate World, and that freedom keeps me motivated. And, as a high school social studies teacher, I love that I can bring creativity into the classroom, showing students that learning and artistic expression go hand in hand.
At the end of the day, the most rewarding part is knowing that my work is pushing the culture forward—whether it’s on the radio, through mixtapes, or in the classroom.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, my creative journey is driven by a mission to amplify independent artists, preserve hip-hop culture, and create spaces where storytelling through music thrives.
With A Syndicate World, my goal is to build a platform that gives emerging and underground hip-hop artists the exposure they deserve. Too often, talented artists get overlooked because they don’t have industry connections or major label backing. I want to change that by using radio, mixtapes, and live DJ sets to introduce their music to wider audiences.
Beyond that, I see myself as a curator of hip-hop history—bridging the gap between classic and contemporary sounds. Hip-hop has a deep, rich legacy, and I want to make sure the next generation understands and appreciates where it came from while also embracing where it’s going.
At its core, The Syndicate is established to connect local and independent hip-hop/R&B artists from surrounding areas to the global consumer through multimedia opportunities. Artists who join The Syndicate will be empowered to collaborate, excel in self-growth, and work effectively to build sustainable careers in music.
The vision for A Syndicate World, in collaboration with labels, show promoters, stakeholders, and individual artists, is dedicated to the goal of self-growth with a focus on piling small achievements. By fostering these collaborations and consistently making progress, we create a space where artists don’t just get heard—they evolve, thrive, and build lasting legacies.
On a larger scale, my ultimate vision is to bring A Syndicate World to XM Radio, ideally on Shade 45 or Sound 42, where I can continue highlighting new talent and pushing the culture forward. Whether through radio, live events, or education, my goal is to ensure that real hip-hop, real storytelling, and real artistry always have a place to thrive.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ASyndicateWorld
- Other: https://linktr.ee/asyndicateworld?fbclid=PAY2xjawJW41BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpjZagXHEQ6OhqE82V4nV4PsdH7ohPFvM5buL7cVwjZQ1sTrhUpEytME9ww_aem_ySBoh9WCOF96hlQsV9_OnQ
