Where did you grow up?

1st 10 years in Spanish Harlem and then moved to Selden in Suffolk County, the last 3 years in Hicksville with my partner Motomo.

When in your life did you realize that DJing was the career that you wished to pursue?

I started DJing at the age of 9 with my families entertainment company and never looked back

Who has been the most influential person in your life thus far?

(There are) So many, but as far as DJ's "Little" Louie Vega.

How has your style evolved since you first embarked on your career as a DJ?

Well, my style is always changing with the times, the one thing that has not is playing vocals, it is all about vocals!

What has been your favorite venue/crowd to DJ for?

CPI hands down, the sound system and light show can’t be touched (Except Twilo) in NY, Second Roseland Thanksgiving eve for 10,000 people, the first time I have been that overwhelmed.

Do you ever interact with your crowd and take suggestions in style or music, or do you rely more on your ability to move the crowd in the direction you choose?

There are times people will ask for a song and if it fits I will play it, and as far as interacting there are plenty of times you will find me on the dance floor in-between mixes.

Have you ever felt that a crowd just didn't get what you were trying to accomplish with your set?

Of course. At times like that you have to remember you are hired to make people dance, try the best you can without selling yourself out.

What do you consider to be the most influential records in both your own style and the scene in general?

Classics, that's it, the music now for the most part has no meaning behind it, Booker T, Chaka Kahn, Roy Aires, Teddy P......that's music.

What brought about your decision to begin a production career?

I wanted to DJ all over and that was my outlet to get known.

What steps did you take when setting out to make your first track?

Our first tracks are horrible, but we kept on going and with God's grace things are happening.

Which has had more influence: DJing on your production career, or Production on your DJ career?

This one is easy, DJing on my production career, I am a DJ, mind, body and soul.

What do you feel separates you from the rest, in a city filled with people trying to establish themselves in the Music Industry?

I love what I do, I am not in it to bullshit people, for the fame, money, I really don’t care if anyone knows my face because I know theirs, I get off on making people dance, it's that plain and simple!

In which direction do you plan to take your DJ and production career in the future?

Wherever it takes me.

What, if anything, would you like to change about the NYC nightlife scene?

The posers, have an open mind about music, the hard shit is cool but why all night? Why cant people except older music without ripping a DJ apart? I feel like I am not completely expressing myself as a DJ because everyone thinks they know it all.....wrong! When I used to go to the Sound Factory Bar it was about the music, people would be in sweats or were all decked out; sipping a drink or putting baby powder on the dance floor; now it is about how many pills they bring with them (in most cases). The sound systems suck and the owners don’t care about creating a "PARTY," all they want is $25.00 and don't want to give anything back to the people.

Do you have any upcoming appearances or projects that we should be looking out for?

We just did a remix for Nervous Records; the artist is DJ Mike Cruz feat. Anaya Day called "Movin Up."

Thank you for taking the time to share some information with our users. Are there any parting words you have to offer?

I am grateful for the chance to express myself through DJing. People sometimes don't realize how much you are really opening yourself up when you are playing records, if you pay attention you can tell what kind of mood the DJ is in, and in some cases, if you are listening to the same DJ week in and week out, he is telling you what is going on in his life (sounds corny, but true). A perfect example of that is Jr. Vasquez, knock him all you want but that is a TRUE ARTIST!

interview by Jay Matassa

photography by Brian Stefanelli