Peter Brockman has a different view of downtown State College clubs and parties than most Penn State students -- the view from behind the turntables.
Brockman (junior-telecommunications), also known as DJ Pete Butta, has been nominated for two Central PA Hip Hop Awards --"Mixtape DJ of the Year" and "Club DJ of the Year" -- for his work on his "Get Focused" mixtape series and spinning at clubs downtown.
"These are my first award nominations," Brockman said. "I had no idea that I was nominated until my friend wrote on my Facebook wall and said congratulations."
Brockman, who started DJing in State College at the age of 16, said he has compiled four promotional CDs in the series. Friends and fellow DJs spoke of Brockman's talent and determination in his career.
"I can vouch for his networking talent, which is huge," said Karis Chandler, also known as DJ Killa Kaos.
Chandler spins weekly at The Lion's Den, 118 S. Garner St. --where Brockman performs as well.
Brockman's previous jobs have helped him network and make his mark in the music industry. He said he was previously a college representative for Def Jam Records and interned at Sirius Satellite Radio in music production last summer.
In addition to weekly Saturday night shows at The Lion's Den and real-world music experience behind the scenes, Brockman said he has learned to work with professional musicians.
Locally, he opened for artists Sean Paul and Bubba Sparxxx when they performed at the Bryce Jordan Center in 2006. He also opened for Ghostface Killah of the Wu-Tang Clan at Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave., in 2006.
And this past semester, he said he opened for the Ying Yang Twins when they performed at Phi Sigma Kappa, 501 S. Allen St.
"I'm excited about the knowledge I've gained so far, and I want to move in the right direction and become bigger," Brockman said.
Pat Cerullo, also known as DJ Grooves, said he has known Brockman since he was a 15-year-old high school student.
Cerullo, who now resides in Washington, D.C., was a State College jockey when he went to Penn State from 2004 to 2006.
"I may have started off as a mentor for Pete, but now we're at an equal level -- he's just as much of an inspiration for me," Cerullo said.
Students can vote for Brockman online at cphiphopawards.com until noon Saturday. Winners of more than 30 award categories will be announced at The Forum, part of the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg, on Sunday.
Cerullo and Chandler, who at times both spin alongside Brockman at various downtown venues, said they believe he can win the two awards and live up to the titles.
"He's one of the most determined people I know," Cerullo said.
