ROAD PODCAST (Reflections Of A DJ)

ROAD PODCAST (Reflections Of A DJ)

Welcome to the R.O.A.D. Podcast.  The show gives you unfiltered opinions from the eyes and ears of 3 seasoned DJs from the Las Vegas nightclub industry. DJ Crooked and DJ Neva come to us by way of New York; Manhattan and The Bronx respectively. Both relocated to Vegas in the early 2000s to open, what was then, Light and Jet Nightclub.   Crooked is known for his workhorse mentality, and high-energy DJ sets, but has never been one for the industry politics.  While DJ Neva has earned his OG status due to his countless years of experience in the DJ game. In 2007, they brought a piece of home with them by founding KNYEW (an acronym for “Keeping New York Every Where), a successful clothing brand, the first of its kind to be seen in Las Vegas. Similarly, Jaime Da Great grew up in LA. Jaime, while making a huge name for himself in the sneaker industry, has shifted his focus to becoming a full-time DJ.

  1. 3h ago

    Episode 389: RICH MEDINA (Pt.2): "DJing with Q-Tip & the End of NYC’s APT Era"

    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 falling out with Q-Tip (49:10). They examine how Rich maintained his unique open-format style through periods of depression and mourning (1:05:10), and why he never lost confidence in his craft (1:10:10). Finally, Rich reflects on the recession-proof nature of modern DJ culture (1:31:55), concluding with his ultimate philosophy on the deep emotional connection required to truly master the decks (1:32:20). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!! Try Beatport for free: tinyurl.com/yc8da2pz Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

    Episode 389: RICH MEDINA (Pt.2): "DJing with Q-Tip & the End of NYC’s APT Era"
  2. Sep 30

    Episode 389: RICH MEDINA (Pt.1): "From DJ to Owner, Building Dante’s HiFi Vinyl Community"

    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 the booth, and how Dante's has changed the landscape for music lovers at (30:20). Rich shares what prepared him for ownership, unpacking the history of the legendary NYC venue APT, and the specific nights that served as a blueprint for modern parties at (41:01). They explore the philosophy of staying in your own lane at (52:53), introducing the revolutionary music of Fela Kuti to American dance floors at (59:30), and his Jersey upbringing at (1:04:10). Finally, Rich discusses rejecting the constant highlight reel at (109:47), the origin story of "The Originals" crew at (1:17:01), their intense 30-minute sparring sets, and reflections on his impact on NYC culture at (1:25:01). Stay tuned for part 2 where Rich shares even more stories and insights! This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!! Try Beatport for free: tinyurl.com/yc8da2pz Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

    Episode 389: RICH MEDINA (Pt.1): "From DJ to Owner, Building Dante’s HiFi Vinyl Community"
  3. Sep 9

    Episode 388: BRUCIE B “The Soundtrack To The 80’s in Harlem”

    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 signature shout-outs (21:55). Brucie B discusses his ties to the figures who inspired Paid in Full, gives flowers to DJ Hollywood (36:01), and recalls the rise of @KidCapri101 alongside the dangerous realities of that era (40:55). He reveals how his mixtapes became currency and were rented out for cigarettes while he was incarcerated (47:55), and shares what it was like returning home and working with @diddy (54:10). Finally, Brucie B covers how mixtapes changed the DJ game, traveling with The Notorious B.I.G., his falling out with Diddy over creative control (1:11:01), and the legendary records from artists like @TeddyRiley1 and @RunDMC that always ignited the dance floor (1:14:55). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!! Try Beatport for free: tinyurl.com/yc8da2pz Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

    Episode 388: BRUCIE B “The Soundtrack To The 80’s in Harlem”
  4. Aug 6

    Episode 386: DJ SHARAD "The Evolution of South Asian Sound in Hip-Hop"

    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, before breaking down the term "Desi," 2000s @Timbaland/@JustBlaze production, and representation vs. appropriation (33:36). The crew discusses Bollywood's global reach, @NAS and @RocNation investing in India, and key leaders like @DiljitDosanjh and @VivianAkaDivine (42:20). Sharad then covers making money handing out mixtapes at party doors (43:01), founding DJ USA, focusing on audiences over peer approval (52:05), and partnering with @FatFingaz (01:01:20). Finally, he touches on joining @TheHeavyHitters, earning co-signs from legends like @BoogieBlind (1:20:15), working with Clark Kent and top brands (1:20:01), and scaling down post-COVID (01:33:01). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!! Try Beatport for free: tinyurl.com/yc8da2pz Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

    Episode 386: DJ SHARAD "The Evolution of South Asian Sound in Hip-Hop"
  5. Jul 22

    Episode 385: CLUB 1BD "From Living Room DJ Sets to National Tours" Feat. Hunny Bee

    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 treatment of artists at venues, more DJs should take ownership of their own events (18:45). The conversation turns to event programming and the debate over whether every event requires a dedicated opening DJ or if curated playlists serve the crowd better (23:01). Hunny Bee breaks down the viral success of her @lilBieber “Yukon” edit (44:01). The dialogue turns to the cultural landscape, specifically addressing the growing "cancelled artist" list, the controversy surrounding playing artists like Nicki Minaj or R Kelly, and the difficulty of maintaining a musical "safe space” (52:01). Finally, the crew debates the shifting career trajectories between DJing and music production, concluding with a call to action for labels and artists to better recognize the vital role DJs play in breaking new music (1:01:00). Try Beatport for free: tinyurl.com/yc8da2pz Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

    Episode 385: CLUB 1BD "From Living Room DJ Sets to National Tours" Feat. Hunny Bee
  6. Jul 8

    Episode 384: CFLO "Serato’s Mad Scientist on Building a DJ Tech Empire"

    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 Stemverter 4 (27:01), before the group debates the pressures of social media marketing and the exhaustion of maintaining a DJ brand versus building business infrastructure (46:01). CFLO provides insight into managing his agency and DJs in the current market followed by a breakdown of the state of the nightlife industry, noting an upswing despite an overall 20% decrease in club spending (56:10). The episode continues with a comprehensive technical showcase of CFLO Inc’s software suite, specifically the file management utility Dupes (1:16:36), and the Goodbye Tunes app, which streamlines the migration from Apple Music to dedicated DJ libraries (1:27:52). Finally, the episode concludes with a discussion about ‘Vibe Coding’ and CFLO’s secret Shazam to Serato downloading tool (1:45:20). Try 'Dupes" now: https://cfloinc.com/products/dupes?srsltid=AfmBOor-feQSk_Xhic3VMzfXfmY85hrHKr-5oGdWMZYL8zjoFCRH8eoB Try Beatport for free: tinyurl.com/yc8da2pz Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

    Episode 384: CFLO "Serato’s Mad Scientist on Building a DJ Tech Empire"
  7. Jun 10

    Episode 383: JOE LOBEL "The UK’s Wordplay King & The Battle of Content vs. Craft "

    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 social media success and actual ticket sales (09:10). Joe details his technical approach to video production, leading to a broader debate on whether modern DJs are prioritizing content creation over their core musical craft, a theme further explored regarding the rise of DJs with limited skills (21:30). The dialogue turns to the reality of creator burnout and the compulsion to film every moment, and the group reflects on the "perpetual machine" of social media and whether one can truly step away from it (33:00). Joe discusses his scheduling tactics and the risk of pigeonholing himself, followed by a conversation about his reputation for wordplay transitions and the challenge of moving beyond that specific niche (39:55). The episode continues with thoughts on managing copycats in the industry and a discussion on rebrand strategies and equipment (57:01). Finally, the episode concludes with a look at how tech companies are influencing the DJ party landscape with events like @playgrndseries (1:08:01). Try Beatport for free: https://tinyurl.com/yc8da2pz Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

    Episode 383: JOE LOBEL "The UK’s Wordplay King & The Battle of Content vs. Craft "
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About

Welcome to the R.O.A.D. Podcast.  The show gives you unfiltered opinions from the eyes and ears of 3 seasoned DJs from the Las Vegas nightclub industry. DJ Crooked and DJ Neva come to us by way of New York; Manhattan and The Bronx respectively. Both relocated to Vegas in the early 2000s to open, what was then, Light and Jet Nightclub.   Crooked is known for his workhorse mentality, and high-energy DJ sets, but has never been one for the industry politics.  While DJ Neva has earned his OG status due to his countless years of experience in the DJ game. In 2007, they brought a piece of home with them by founding KNYEW (an acronym for “Keeping New York Every Where), a successful clothing brand, the first of its kind to be seen in Las Vegas. Similarly, Jaime Da Great grew up in LA. Jaime, while making a huge name for himself in the sneaker industry, has shifted his focus to becoming a full-time DJ.

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