ROAD PODCAST (Reflections Of A DJ)

Episode 390: DJ MISS MILAN “The Fairy Vibe Mother Behind Doechii’s Live Show” @DJMissMilan joins @ROADPodcast for an unfiltered conversation about the realities of modern DJing, building a career from the ground up, and commanding the stage. The session kicks off with Miss Milan discussing her transition from working as a server to pursuing DJing full-time (06:15), meeting Mister Cee, and looking to @KidCapri101 for stage presence (10:18). She touches on her Caribbean roots and image before breaking down her explosive first gig with @Saweetie and earning the title "The Fairy Vibe Mother” (22:21). The crew explores the contrast between extroverted performers and introver...

Episode 389: RICH MEDINA (Pt.2): "DJing with Q-Tip & the End of NYC’s APT Era" In part 2 of our conversation with @RichMedina on @RoadPodcast, the crew goes deeper into Rich’s journey, starting with his formative years in Philadelphia and his obsession with conquering New York City nightlife. Rich recounts meeting @KoolBobLove and @StretchArmstrong at Cornell and how that opened endless doors in NYC (10:20). The conversation covers the cultural importance of the barbershop, sneaker store, and basketball communities (24:10). Rich opens up about his history DJing alongside @QTipTheAbstract starting in 1996 (38:55), and the mafia-style closure of the iconic venue APT paired with his fall...

Episode 389: RICH MEDINA (Pt.1): "From DJ to Owner, Building Dante’s HiFi Vinyl Community" In part 1 of this 2 part episode of @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with legendary DJ, producer, and @Dante’sHiFi creative director @RichMedina, starting with a discussion on booking strategies and high-volume weeks in Miami at (01:44). Rich dives into his approach to embedding himself in the local community at (06:10), before breaking down the resident DJs and the sonic difference between vinyl and digital, and exploring the warmth of analog sound at (17:05). The conversation shifts to the adjustment from DJ to venue owner at (23:01), applying a Mamba Mentality in t...

Episode 388: BRUCIE B “The Soundtrack To The 80’s in Harlem” On this episode of @RoadPodcast, while visitng New York, we are joined by the King Mixtapes, Hip Hop Royalty, Harlems FInest, The World Famous Burcie B! (@TWFBrucie_B)reflects on learning to blend records from DJ Starchild and entering the lifestyle, before opening up about how serving time in prison shaped his style (08:21). He explains how he became the Mixtape King at Disco Fever (13:10) and shares stories of Alpo Martinez and Azie Faison at The Rooftop, known as the "Studio 54 of the hood”, where he sold 90-minute live mixtapes with signatur...

Episode 387: DEVIN HYPE "The Journey & Evolution of a Modern Turntablist" On this week's episode of @RoadPodcast we sit down with @DevinHype. The episode begins with Devin Hype detailing his use of social media for professional leverage and brand deals (01:20). Devin reflects on his touring history with @Yelawolf, his early radio career, and the evolution of his aesthetic from a "DJ uniform" to a style reflecting his true self (05:23). The group discusses the "DJ peak" occurring in one's 30s (19:48) and the strategic necessity of leaving an artist's shadow to build a personal legacy (29:00). Shifting to technical craft, the crew explores the...

Episode 386: DJ SHARAD "The Evolution of South Asian Sound in Hip-Hop" In this episode of the ROAD Podcast, we’re joined by the founder of @DJUSAEvents, a memeber of the world famous @HeavyHitter's Crew, Queen's very own @DJSharad! The episode kicks off with Sharad reflecting on growing up in Queens and Long Island, and discovering Hip Hop (01:12). He details his entry into DJing and bootlegging Kid Capri mixtapes (03:55) The crew examines 1990s NYC club dynamics, venue segregation, and how early Bhangra parties often ended in lost bookings (22:50). Sharad explores building his fanbase, @PanjabiMC, and South Asian influence in Hip Hop, be...

Episode 385: CLUB 1BD "From Living Room DJ Sets to National Tours" Feat. Hunny Bee This episode of the ROAD podcast features an in-depth conversation with @DJHunnyBee, @ArtyFurtado, and @itsDavidTheDJ of the @Club1BD crew. The convo starts with a look at the origins of their collaborative relationship, the unique soundscapes of their events, and the welcoming atmosphere they foster within the LGBTQ community (01:30). Then the team shuts down fabrications surrounding "paid actor" allegations, while emphasizing the significance of their partnership with @AllovusLV in Las Vegas (05:37). The crew highlights the importance of basic hospitality for DJs and why, given the inconsistent...

Episode 384: CFLO "Serato’s Mad Scientist on Building a DJ Tech Empire" In this episode of @ROADpodcast, the crew sits down with the mastermind behind the revolutionary stem-separation software, Stemverter, and the founder and owner of DJ agency @DowntownTalent: the one and only @CFLOinc! The episode kicks off with CFLO’s history in the industry and his transition into developing tech solutions for DJs (04:10). The discussion shifts to the evolution of his agency, @DowntownTalent, and his strategic shift from full-time performing to scaling his business (16:10). CFLO details his technical projects, including his work with Serato stems and the upcoming release of S...

Episode 383: JOE LOBEL "The UK’s Wordplay King & The Battle of Content vs. Craft" In this episode of @ROADpodcast, the crew sits down with UK-based DJ and wordplay innovator @Joe.Lobel to unpack the complexities of building a career in the modern digital age. The conversation begins at (01:10) with Lobel’s journey from the UK to the US for his Memorial Day run, his perspective on the UK nightlife scene, and the process of securing a US work visa. The discussion shifts to how a "Hip Hop DJ" is defined in the UK before moving to the disconnect between viral soci...

Episode 382: MANNY MARROQUIN “The Famed Mixing Engineer Who Crafted Classics for Kanye, John Mayer and Alicia Keys” The Road Podcast crew is in LA for the NAMM show and have a sit down with multi-Grammy Award-winning mixing engineer @MannyMarroquin whose career spans over two decades, defining the sonic landscape for artists like @KanyeWest, @AliciaKeys, and @JohnMayer. Manny joined the @ROADpodcast to break down the delicate balance between technical precision and emotional resonance in modern mixing. Starting with the core distinctions between engineers and producers, Manny explains his "emotion over technicality" philosophy (04:05) and the "Batman and Robin" approach to song structure (09:00). He p...

Episode 381: DJ CUTSO "The DNA of the Bay — From Banning Hyphy to DJ Mustard Adopting the Sound" The legendary @Cutso joins the ROAD Podcast to break down the DNA of the Bay Area scene, the evolution of turntablism, and the reality of balancing a high-level DJ career with a corporate tech job. We dive into his viral "ROAD Talk" interview from NAMM 2026 (2:55), where he addresses the entitlement of new DJs and a social media culture that causes artists to focus on the wrong metrics. Cutso reflects on the "Relationship Economy" and why you cannot get booked without being in the ro...

Episode 380: DJ HABIBEATS: "The Palestinian Pioneer of Arabic Club Music" In this episode of the ROAD podcast, the crew welcomes @DJHabibeats for a deep dive into his meteoric rise and the evolution of the global Arab club scene. The conversation begins with a recap of his recent milestones (1:45) and a look at his expanding international tour schedule, including his highly anticipated set at the @Coachella @TheDoLab. Habibeats addresses his infectious energy behind the decks and explains how he utilizes his open format roots to represent Arabic house music by drawing from a rich, worldwide musical heritage (13:50). As the market for...

Episode 379: RICHARD VISSION (Pt.2): "Epic B2Bs w/Bad Boy Bill + LA's Underground Rave Revival" The Road Podcast crew is in LA for the NAMM show and sits down with LA-born and raised house/dance music legend Richard Vission. Part 2 picks up with @RichardVission reflecting on LA nightlife in the 2000s, from 60,000-person events to a Grammy nomination (05:44) and the rave era of “Together as One” with @PasqualeRotella. He talks about landing multiple number one Billboard remixes for artists like @Madonna and the backlash that came with it. He shares the story behind “I Like That,” the pop EDM wave, and work...

Episode 379: RICHARD VISSION (Pt.1): "The Architect of L.A. Dance Culture" The Road Podcast crew is in LA for the NAMM show and sits down with 1/2 of the duo #TheHouseConnection with @DJBadBoyBill, the Founder of the historic radio show @Powertools, LA-born and raised house/dance music legend, @RichardVission! The episode kicks off with Richard breaking down the early LA dance scene, starting with The Dome and The Arena (01:57), and how his first techno group, The Movement, led him to DJ Bad Boy Bill (04:10). He shares the backstory of Florentine Gardens and the infamous heist (07:12), then talks about his live mixes...

Episode 378: DJ ZIMMIE "Why DJs Need the 'Level Up' Conference?" This week on @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome Pittsburgh native, PioneerDJ/@AlphaThetaGlobal product planning team member, and founder of the @LevelUp4DJs Conference @DJZimmie! The crew discusses how having a camera operator during Club DJ Sets has now become mandatory, how that increases costs, and how it affects how much money a DJ can make (01:55). Crooked shares how @DJNugget saved him one night in Pittsburgh by taking a punch for him (05:01). Zimmie breaks down what “Level Up For DJs” has to offer (13:40) and speaks on a moving moment involving @Shortkut at the...

Episode 377: THE STEREOTYPES "Crafting Life Saver Hits For Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber" This week on @RoadPodcast features an in-depth conversation with The @StereotypesTV (@JonYip + @JermBeats + @RayRomulus), charting their rise from interns and studio rats to Grammy-winning producers behind era-defining records. Crooked opens by giving them their flowers as true DJ “life savers,” praising their ability to balance vibe, storytelling, and music that unites people in the middle (02:33), before Ray reflects on growing up in New York, interning at Bad Boy and Def Jam, and learning the industry from the ground up (05:23). The trio breaks down how they first connected, thei...

Episode 376: HICKIES + DRYHUMPS "The SoCal Party That Became a Filipino Movement" Feat. Esentrik This episode of Road Podcast features @JulzDelaPena and @Esentrik breaking down how real DJ careers evolve, from Julz getting into weddings and understanding presentation (02:05). The conversation touches on the reality of DJ promo culture, online bravado, and mentorship (07:03). The crew then speaks on DJ friendships, leaving retail to focus on parties, and changing economics (10:10). Julz revisits the roots of @HickiesAndDryhumps, why the party originally felt like a house party, and how moments like @MilesMedina and @JustBlaze pulling up after the Goldie Awards shaped its growth (25:07), before diving...

Episode 375: "How Vinyl DJs Are Redefining NYC Nightlife” Feat. DJ Snips, Karl Brisseaux, Svpply, and Moochie This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @Moochie, @DJSvpply, @Snipsmusic, and @KBrissy to talk about @RecordRoom and vinyl parties. The episode begins with Crooked reflecting on his first time attending Record Room and what immediately stood out (03:20), before the crew breaks down why vinyl sets earn more trust from audiences, from the visual curiosity of watching a DJ work to the difference between a DJ and a vinyl selector mindset (12:40). They explore why letting songs play longer works better in today’s shor...

Episode 374: BUCKWILD "On Producing for Biggie, D.I.T.C., and Shaping the NY Sound" This week on @RoadPodcast, we sit down with legendary producer @buckwild_ditc as he traces his full arc as a producer, starting with how he met Goldfinger at (01:14) and how tracks like Rakim’s “You Got Soul” at (05:10) pushed him toward beat making. The crew dives into the Roosevelt Room record convention at (13:10), where Pete Rock, Large Pro, Q Tip, Capri and others found the records that shaped classic hip hop, with Goldfinger adding his perspective at (23:45). They break down the core of the New York s...

Episode 373: 2025 WRAP-UP “Reviewing the Year's Best & Worst in Music & DJing” This week on @RoadPodcast we're joined by @Kazi, @Shwcase and @DJMarcoPenta to close out 2025 with a full wrap up of what actually mattered this year, breaking down Top 5 Club Bangers before diving into why songs are taking longer to connect, the lack of label support, and whether release dates should move back to Tuesdays so audiences can learn records before the weekend (14:13). The crew gives @Kehlani her flowers and talks about the success of “Folded” (19:33), then unpacks how rappers who once made club hits are now making gym or car music, G...

Episode 372: LAIDBACK LUKE “Discovering Avicii, DJing on an iPhone, and the Rise of Pre-Recorded Sets” This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @LaidbackLuke for a rare deep dive into his Vegas roots, the peak of EDM, and what keeps him inspired after three decades behind the decks. He recalls returning to Las Vegas and the opening of Hakkasan in 2012, a moment he calls the “we won” era of dance music when pop stars like @Pitbull and @IAmWill jumped on the EDM wave (01:66). Luke breaks down those early residencies that felt exotic at the time and how Vegas became a second...

Episode 371: RNB & RIBS “DJs, Stop Chasing Viral Moments” Feat. Knowpa Slaps This week, the crew chops it up with @KnowpaSlaps, the Bay Area DJ and founder behind @RnBandRibs, one of the most influential R&B parties in the game. Knowpa opens up about the love of DJing that sparked the party and how he keeps each set fresh while juggling his roles as both DJ and promoter (06:15). The conversation dives into the explosion of RNB day parties and how over-saturation has made it harder to stand out (08:03). Knowpa explains why intention matters, from the cities they choose to the way they...

Episode 370: DJ BOOGIE BLIND "The Death of Originality in DJ Culture" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @BoogieBlind to talk about his Bronx roots, coming up with Lyrics to Go, and learning from Roc Raida (2:10). Blind shares how he chose DJing over basketball after seeing Roc Raida’s success and reflects on the original “X-Men Rules” (9:10). He pays respect to Clark Kent, opens up about his battle DJ mentality, and talks about “protecting his energy” in an era where copying is normalized (12:10). Crooked and Blind discuss the “me against the world” mindset of battle DJs, how relationships change as you...

Episode 369: DJ NICK DAVIS "How a Midwest DJ Is Breaking Into Bigger Markets" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew chops it up with Kansas City’s @djnickdavis. They reflect on meeting Nick early in his journey and stress how crucial it was to travel and experience other DJ scenes at a young age (00:55). The conversation shifts to the Midwest nightlife explosion, with cities like Wichita and Salt Lake City hosting incredible parties (06:50), and Nick breaks down how he’s built his out-of-town bookings through word-of-mouth and collaborations with Salt Lake City’s finest @bangarangthedj (10:04). He shares the origin story of his pa...

Episode 368: DISCO_NECT "Abandoning The Open Format Grind To Form a Disco House Collective" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @TheDisco_Nect (@DJWS, @PartyWithStrategy_, and @CautionItsHeavy) to share their journey and vision for disco’s revival. At (02:34), White Shadow recalls meeting Strategy and Heavy during a Will Ferrell event that bonded them through disco, leading to their takeover of @CelesteChicago. By (10:57), Crooked introduces the idea of the “working class DJ,” sparking candid talk about burnout, money struggles, and questioning whether DJing was worth it. The crew reflects on DJs struggling to see themselves as artists (11:20), the evolution of Chi...

EPISODE 367: SIDEPIECE "6 Years Strong & Sober" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew chops it up with Grammy-nominated duo Sidepiece (@partyfavor + @nitti). At 01:51, they share how they came together, the story behind their name, and their dynamic in the studio. The duo gets candid about testing tracks in the club (17:20), early support from @Diplo, and Nitti’s production work on 200 MPH by @BadBunnyPr (36:01). They reminisce on the Mad Decent era, and break down releasing hits like Cash Out, A Milli, and On My Mind while resisting industry trends (41:01). At 49:10, they discuss re-igniting tech house, facing criticism for sampling, and the challenges of pu...

Episode 366: THE BEAT JUNKIES "Why DJs Need a Retirement Plan" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @DjMeloD, @DJDStyles, and @DJ4Real24 to talk about their careers, @theBeatJunkies, and their Cali pizza spot @MadeFromSkratchPizza. They kick things off with Melo-D gives flowers to @DJAngieVee’s “Yer Not Down,” and D-Styles celebrates the iconic “Low End Theory” party that helped launch artists like @FlyingLotus, @Tokimonsta, and @Daedelus (03:55). The crew also reflects on how today’s DJ competitions differ from the Beat Junkies era (18:45). Jaime introduces the Beat Junkies Institute of Sound as “the Avengers teaching you how to be superheroes,”...

Episode 365: DON DIABLO "The Visionary of Future House on Imposter Syndrome & Humanizing A.I." This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with future house pioneer @DonDiablo for a deep and personal conversation. At 01:55, Don talks about running on little sleep before his Pier 19 show and why NYC remains his biggest market. By 06:55, he explains why he avoids repeating sets, preferring Tomorrowland’s smaller, darker stages over the main stage. At 12:20, Don reflects on his teenage years in the Dutch scene, from being taken advantage of as a young producer to being labeled a “weirdo” by peers. He admits that someti...

Episode 364: DJ TRAUMA "From ATL to Dave Chappelle, Navigating the Celebrity DJ Scene" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @DJTrauma to reflect on his journey from New York to Atlanta and beyond. At (00:55), Trauma recalls growing up in Manhattan and how his DJ name came from a friend’s little brother. By (04:30), he’s reminiscing about partying in the Meatpacking District and what it meant to be “outside.” He explains what it means to be a “vibe DJ” (07:15). He compares the craft of DJing to stand-up comedy (10:35). Trauma then shares how a free event unexpectedly led him to working w...

Episode 363: WALSHY FIRE “Inside Major Lazor, Black Chiney, and ‘The Art Of Dancehall’” This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @WalshyFire — DJ, producer, and member of @MajorLazer — to talk Dancehall, Soca, and the art of building culture. At 01:34, Walshy recalls meeting @DJMoma and why Soca faced resistance in the '80s–’90s. By 05:10, he’s breaking down the pushback against Soca and Afro Beats, and Soca’s joyful contrast to other genres. He dives into NYC’s gang culture and block party memories (07:10), including a near brawl at a LOX performance diffused by dancers (10:12). The crew swaps stories on “banned” songs in late...

Episode 362: RASHAD SMITH (Pt.2): "Bad Boy's First Hitman & His Fallout With Biggie" In Part 2 of our deep dive with legendary producer @Rashad_Ringo_Smith, the @RoadPodcast crew uncovers even more behind-the-scenes stories that shaped the sound of hip-hop and R&B.Rashad kicks things off by breaking down the making of the iconic “One More Chance” and its different versions (00:01), before opening up about the intense, high-stakes creative process at Bad Boy Records under the direction of @Diddy (09:01). He reveals how the classic “Bad Boy” sound came together — especially the blend of vocal powerhouses @theRealFaithEvans and @theRealMaryJBlige, which helped redefine R&B (20:03...

Episode 362: RASHAD SMITH (Pt.1): "The Mystery Beatmaker for Rakim, Uptown Records & Busta Rhymes" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down for Part 1 of an epic two-part conversation with legendary producer @Rashad_Ringo_Smith — the mastermind behind tracks for @TheNotoriousBIG, @BustaRhymes, @JayZ, @Beyonce, @TheGodRakim, and more. You may not know his name, but you definitely know his sound. Rashad kicks things off by reflecting on his early days as a DJ, his childhood nicknames, and the powerful influence his mother had on his musical journey (00:11). He shares his deep love for jazz and reveals how he flipped the same sample tw...

Episode 361: JASON JANI "The Wedding DJ Who Built a Private Event Powerhouse" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew chops it up with @JasonJani — DJ, entrepreneur, and founder of @SCEEventGroup — as he shares his journey from New Jersey club nights to redefining private events. Jason recalls how he got his start in 1995, spinning at local spots like Deco Lounge and DJing on the Shore (2:30, 14:30). He talks about learning from setbacks (24:53) and how skills from corporate America helped shape his DJ business (25:48, 27:55). He explains how he broke the mold of the “cheesy wedding DJ” by bringing a nightclub mindset to private events (28:14), using Yo...

Episode 360: BOBBITO GARCIA "B-Ball, Hip-Hop & Sneakers — Where the Love Still Lives?" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with the legendary @KoolBobbLove a.k.a. Bobbito Garcia — DJ, author, and cultural icon. At 00:55, Bobbito breaks down the inspiration behind his new book “Bobbito’s Book of B-Ball Bong Bong!”, touching on caregiving, basketball, and his writing process. He and @DJcrooked reminisce about growing up in the same building (11:45), and at (18:45), he shares his thoughts on Rap vs. Hip-Hop, giving today’s scene a “under 5” rating. At (22:55), he reflects on his lifelong love for Hip-Hop, sneakers, basketball, and DJing. He opens up about s...

Episode 359: BRAD LEBEAU "From the Early Days of Disco to a Record Promo Dynasty" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with legendary music marketer, DJ, and founder of @promotion1983, Brad LeBeau, for an unfiltered conversation on the evolution of dance music, the hustle behind hit records, and the personal cost of chasing legacy in the industry. With his company “PRO MOTION” celebrating 42 years at the forefront of record promotion, Brad reflects on the moments that defined his journey. Brad opens up about his early DJ days, sharing how his father’s advice shaped his outlook (4:42), and how substance use be...

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew chops it up with UK DJ and producer @snipsmusic, founder of London’s legendary “Living Proof” party. Snips breaks down how he got his name (01:41), his early love for house music, and the influence of UK genres like Lovers Rock, Jungle, and Drum & Bass. He shares wild stories from the London scene — including the time they accidentally booked a fake MF DOOM — and reflects on the rise and fall of “Living Proof” (12:30). The crew delves into the evolution of UK hip-hop, the legacy of @timwestwoodtv, and iconic UK shows featuring @jayz and @bustarhymes (24:10). Snips also discusses...

Episode 357: CLUB 1BD "The Viral Apartment Party That Took Over Your Feed" This week, we’re joined by @ItsDavidTheDJ and @ArtyFurtado—the creator and curator behind the viral sensation @Club1BD. We kick things off with the origin story of Club 1BD and how it all began with a breakout viral moment (00:55). David shares his journey from wedding DJ to internet phenomenon, and how a chance meeting with Arty at NYU sparked their creative partnership (12:01). They speak on challenges of copyright and how it shapes monetization strategies (22:01), followed by a discussion about the criticism surrounding crowd reactions (40:50). They open up abou...

Episode 356: SCOOP DEVILLE "Crafting Classics for Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, & Snoop" In this week’s episode of @Roadpodcast, we sit down with legendary producer, DJ, and rapper @scoopdeville, who has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including @kendricklamar, @drdre, @snoopdogg, @bustarhymes, and @fatjoe. The crew kicks things off with Scoop’s early ties to Las Vegas meeting @eddiemaclv, sharing stories of hustling CDs as a teen for his father Kid Frost (01:58). Scoop opens up about growing up around musical royalty like @eazyeofficial, @djtonyg, and @rogertroutmanofficial (06:10). He reveals behind-the-scenes moments from working with @drdre, including an unreleased version of "...

Episode 355: INDO WAREHOUSE “Bringing South Asia To Coachella, and Creating A New Genre ‘IndoHouse’” In this episode, DJ Crooked sits down with @Indo.Warehouse founders @KunalMerchant and @KahaniMusic to talk about the rise of Indo-House — a genre fusing South Asian musical heritage with house and dance music. What started as a passion project has grown into a global movement, with Indo Warehouse delivering immersive live shows at iconic venues like @Coachella and @BrooklynMirage, and soon, the @F1 Grand Prix in Singapore. Kahani and Kunal share their paths into music (01:15), the moment their creative partnership began (20:43), and how they’ve navigated the tension...

Episode 354: JAMES HYPE "EDM Beefs And Real DJing" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with premier EDM DJ/Producer and one of England’s finest, @JamesHype. They discuss his @ZoukGroupLV residency (01:36) and break down the differences between U.S. and European dance music markets (03:35). James reflects on his DJ roots in England (09:45), shares his thoughts on spinning with @Serato vs. @RekordboxOfficial (20:30), and revisits his first breakout hit, “More Than Friends” (35:01). He dives into his marketing persona as the “Hulk Hogan of DJing” (49:13), talks about his Ibiza residency at @Hiibizaofficial (1:01:04), and vents his frustrations with @BoilerRoomTV and his recent feud with...