For The Rotation

Azhar "Ace" Hai

Hosted by Azhar "Ace" Hai, a seasoned audio engineer and lifelong DJ with 27+ years in live production, For The Rotation uncovers the real stories behind success. Originally focused on world-renowned DJs, the podcast now features creatives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries from all walks of life. Each episode explores pivotal moments, challenges, and mindset shifts to inspire listeners to pursue their passion, overcome obstacles, and find their rhythm—one story at a time.

Episodes

  1. Devin Hype

    08/20/2025

    Devin Hype

    When I first came across Devin Hype, I was walking through NAMM and saw him on stage showcasing his talents. I was just starting For The Rotation and knew that I wanted him on my show as a guest. A year later, I set a goal to ask as many DJs One Question for Inspiration. My question was, what is the one thing you have learned throughout your career that you can share with others on how to achieve their dreams? His answer was phenomenal and blew me away. You can find his answer on our YouTube Shorts or social media, but after capturing that moment, we exchanged information, and the rest is history. This episode is truly special and offers a wealth of knowledge. We will chronologically go through his life and milestones as you learn about the determination, mindset, inspiration, and consistency that can lead you to success. You also learn that it’s okay to not know where you are going, just as long as you continue to work in something you are passionate about. Join me as we dive deep into the life of Devin Hype and uncover how he did it all, For The Rotation!Guest: Devin Hype https://www.instagram.com/devinhype/ https://www.youtube.com/@DevinHype https://www.tiktok.com/@devinhype⁠ Booking Email: Bookings@Brok⁠eButTalented.com Host: Azhar "Ace" Hai https://www.instagram.com/ac3hai/ https://www.instagram.com/fortherotation/ https://www.instagram.com/any1canpodcast/ Email: ace@fortherotation.com Music: Adam Murakami https://www.instagram.com/frzafr/ https://www.tiktok.com/@frzadj Production Manager: Jack Monforte https://www.instagram.com/jackmonforte/ Video Production Manager: Pablo Aguilar https://www.instagram.com/pabloaguilarstudio/ https://www.tiktok.com/@pablitomas For The Rotation Links: https://www.fortherotation.com/ https://www.fortherotation.com/merch/ https://www.youtube.com/@ForTheRotation https://www.instagram.com/fortherotation/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552192755579 https://www.tiktok.com/@fortherotation/ https://x.com/ForTheRotation/ https://www.threads.net/@fortherotation/ https://rumble.com/user/ForTheRotation https://open.spotify.com/show/01jzZerYauI7J0PrCqh5GQFor For The Rotation Merch Ad: https://www.fortherotation.com/merch/ 10% Off Code: FTR1 Stand+ Shoes Ad: https://www.standshoes.com/ 15% Off Code: FTR1 ***Update: Offer is extended and has no end date*** Anyone Can Podcast Ad: https://payhip.com/anyonecanpodcast/ 15% Off Code: FTR1Timestamps: (00:00) – Intro (01:30) – Falling in Love with Music (02:21) – Radio Obsession (03:19) – First “Decks" (05:09) – Skating Rink Era (06:32) – Fuel from Doubters (08:55) – First Personal Turntables at 21 (11:48) – Ad – FTR Merch (12:18) – Why Scarcity Made Him Better (14:10) – Radio Tapes & Submissions (17:00) – Landing 99.1; Fired After 2 Months; Door Opens to Tour DJ Life (18:58) – Lighter Shade of Brown Touring 2015–2021 (22:01) – Study Everything; “Make Your Own Luck” (24:57) – Mindset After Setbacks; Betting on Yourself (26:29) – Ad – Stand+ Shoes (27:26) – Reinvention; Targeting Yelawolf via Social Content (30:13) – Present Phase: Unsure by Design; Missing Live Energy vs. Content Fatigue & Post-Show “Come-Down” (36:27) – Coping with Lows: Acceptance, Letting Emotions Pass (37:27) – Using Social as a Timeline; “Suck Less” Over Time; Building Character/Look; 2022 Confidence Click (41:49) – From Fan to Peer: Beat Junkies/Icy Ice Stories; Becoming an “Active Character” in DJ Culture (43:21) – Ad – Anyone Can Podcast (44:22) – Defining Resilience: Not Giving Up; Drive from “Not Having”; Still Questioning, Still Moving (47:01) – Stepping into Production; Learning Curve (49:59) – Rejection & Motivation; Quick Ideas vs. Over-Produced Content (50:47) – Biggest Shift: Yelawolf Era; Wanting His Own Fans (53:41) – Giving Back to the Craft: Real DJing, Skill First; Evolving the Look/Persona with Intention (59:12) – Advice to Younger Self: Don’t Quit; Study the History, Respect the Roots (1:01:33) – Gratitude & “Next Phase” (1:02:09) – Outro

    1h 3m
  2. DJ WeirdoWithSoul

    04/12/2025

    DJ WeirdoWithSoul

    Last year, I had the opportunity to work with DJ WeirdoWithSoul on my stage, and I was blown away by her talent for captivating the audience with her mixing, presence, and song selection. During a brief conversation, I learned about her journey of becoming a DJ, and I knew I had to bring her on the podcast to share her inspiring story with all of you. This world-traveling DJ has a story that relates to anyone with a dream they desire to achieve. As we explore her journey, you will learn the power of investing in yourself and how she overcame obstacles with belief and persistence. She shares how she achieved goals with a "don't stop" mindset to create synchronicity and reveal her purpose. This episode shares the power of taking a difficult moment in your life to motivate you to drive toward your deepest desires and achieve your goals. Please subscribe to our channel and visit our website for more inspiration. Links to DJ WeirdoWithSoul: https://www.weirdowithsoul.com/ https://www.instagram.com/weirdowithsoul/ https://www.instagram.com/delasoundsofsa/ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/maya.milana ⁠https://x.com/WeirdoWithSoul⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@djweirdowithsoul⁠⁠ https://youtu.be/j1hEYSBwMo4⁠⁠ https://youtu.be/ozLH3-nBpGk⁠https://youtu.be/CvtlOZ5tqj8⁠⁠ Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro (01:17) - Raised with House Music, I Play the Turntable, Working in PR (05:00) - This was the night, Synchronicity, Following the Sign (07:35) - Investing in Self, Post My Process, Finding My Mentor (11:17) - I Used My Time, Honed My Craft, I Trained My Muscle Memory (15:20) - I Practiced, The Calls Started Coming In, Public Relations (18:00) - Not In the Plan, Life Flow, Transition Through Synchronicity (21:20) - Putting Out The Energy, Be Intentional, Resilience (23:30) - The Journey was Difficult, Things Get Removed, Process & Accept (26:00) - Go Up & Out, Don't Wallow, I Pursued It (29:01) - Giving Back, Girls Make Beats, Best Feeling Ever (35:40) - What Comes Next, Curating My Own, Evolving (38:10) - Your Younger Self (42:00) - How Can You Find WeirdoWithSoul?, Unique (43:30) - Outro Host: Azhar "Ace" Hai ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ac3hai/ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/fortherotation/ ⁠Music: Adam Murakami ⁠https://www.instagram.com/elfourza/ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@elfourza⁠ Production Manager: Jack Monforte ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jackmonforte/ ⁠Video Production Manager: Pablo Aguilar ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pabloaguilarstudio/ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@pablitomas⁠ Links to For The Rotation: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ForTheRotation ⁠⁠https://www.fortherotation.com/ ⁠⁠https://www.fortherotation.com/merch/ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/fortherotation/ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552192755579⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@fortherotation/ ⁠⁠https://www.snapchat.com/add/fortherotation/ ⁠⁠https://x.com/ForTheRotation/ ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@fortherotation/⁠

    44 min
  3. OG Rod Gee

    04/04/2025

    OG Rod Gee

    When I met OG Rod Gee a year ago, I briefly learned about his accomplishments and his knowledge of the radio broadcasting industry. Our conversation was short but impactful, and I knew he had a story that needed to be shared on For The Rotation. In this interview, you will learn about his transformative story and how your passion chooses you when you least expect it. He shares how a strong work ethic and openness to change and adaptation led him to become the video producer on a nationally syndicated show called "The Wake Up Show." Rod Gee is forever evolving and is a perfect example of what you can accomplish with a "can-do" mindset while holding yourself accountable. This episode will inspire you to dig deep into your desires and surface your passion to manifest the life of your dreams. Links to OG Rod Gee: https://www.ogrodgee.com/ https://www.instagram.com/rodgee/⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ogrodgee⁠ https://www.instagram.com/stillwateroldies/ https://www.facebook.com/rodgee1 https://x.com/rodgee https://www.twitch.tv/ogrodgee https://www.youtube.com/@Rodgee https://kick.com/ogrodgee Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro (01:16) - 10,000 Records, Beat Street, Hip-Hop (05:09) - 4 Years Ago, Security, Electrophysiologist (08:13) - Sunday Basketball, Tangible, King Tech (13:25) - Little Tasks, Opportunities, The Transition (16:33) - The Passion Unfolds, The Camera, Video Production (19:40) - We Just Do, The Career Change, Sway Into Television (23:41) - I Owe It All To Hip-Hop, The DJ, Intimidation (26:41) - I Could Never Be A DJ, Stream Live, Accountable (28:10) - My DJ Life Changed, My Favorite DJ, Confidence (30:45) - Your Younger Self (32:30) - How To Find OG Rod Gee (34:41) - Outro Host: Azhar "Ace" Hai https://www.instagram.com/ac3hai/ https://www.instagram.com/fortherotation/ Music: Adam Murakami https://www.instagram.com/elfourza/ https://www.tiktok.com/@elfourza Production Manager: Jack Monforte https://www.instagram.com/jackmonforte/ Video Production Manager: Pablo Aguilar https://www.instagram.com/pabloaguilarstudio/ https://www.tiktok.com/@pablitomas Links to For The Rotation: https://www.youtube.com/@ForTheRotation https://www.fortherotation.com/ https://www.fortherotation.com/merch/ https://www.instagram.com/fortherotation/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552192755579 https://www.tiktok.com/@fortherotation/ https://www.snapchat.com/add/fortherotation/ https://x.com/ForTheRotation/ https://www.threads.net/@fortherotation/

    35 min
  4. DJ Melo-D

    03/28/2025

    DJ Melo-D

    While growing up in Los Angeles, I studied DJ Melo-D, mixing on the radio almost every evening. He quickly became my favorite DJ with his intricate scratches and flawless mixes, where he introduced songs that established many artists' careers in the L.A. Hip-Hop scene. His story speaks volumes about finding what you love to do and driving it with passion. During our conversation, you will learn about his relentless mindset of chasing his dream, putting his education first, and completing his college career while finding his purpose. He shares his peaks and valleys, as well as how he overcame his challenges with determination. This episode hits all the notes, but most importantly, you will learn the importance of being prepared when life presents you with the opportunity to live your dream. Links to DJ Melo-D: https://www.instagram.com/djmelod/ https://x.com/DJMeloD https://www.instagram.com/madefromskratchpizza/ https://www.twitch.tv/djmelod https://www.youtube.com/@OGDJMeloD Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro 01:27 - Finding Music, Records, The Turntable (08:35) - Determination (That Want), Forming a Crew (10:07) - The First Gig, The Scratch, I Can Do This (14:00) - Study & Focus, College, Practice, Finding a Balance (18:50) - The Beat Junkies, Sharing Ideas, Finding Like-Minded People (23:12) - Getting Inspired, Part of the Environment, Bring Some Records (26:53) - Obsession to Perfection, Being Prepared (29:49) - Winning Battles, Getting Noticed, Julio G, I Got a Job (34:14) - Right Place & Right Time, How Prepared Are You? (35:17) - Resilience, Take a Break, Gain Perspective (39:04) - DJ AM, Las Vegas, We're Stuck, Overcoming Challenges (46:33) - Questioning Yourself, Staying Grounded, Inspiration (49:15) - The Gimmee Record, Being Remembered (52:13) - Back to the Bedroom DJ, Giving Back, Made From Skratch (57:12) - Your Younger Self (59:04) - How to Find DJ Melo-D (01:00:35) - Outro Host: Azhar "Ace" Hai ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ac3hai/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/fortherotation/⁠ Music: Adam Murakami ⁠https://www.instagram.com/elfourza/⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@elfourza⁠ Production Manager: Jack Monforte ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jackmonforte/⁠ Video Production Manager: Pablo Aguilar ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pabloaguilarstudio/⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@pablitomas⁠ Links to For The Rotation: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ForTheRotation⁠ ⁠https://www.fortherotation.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.fortherotation.com/merch/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/fortherotation/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552192755579⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@fortherotation/⁠ ⁠https://www.snapchat.com/add/fortherotation/⁠ ⁠https://x.com/ForTheRotation/⁠ ⁠https://www.threads.net/@fortherotation/

    1h 1m
  5. The Last DJ (Nick Hayes)

    03/27/2025

    The Last DJ (Nick Hayes)

    When a friend introduced me to Nick Hayes on Instagram, I was immediately impressed and knew I had to share his story with you. Join me as I delve into the extraordinary and motivational life of Nick Hayes and why he's named The Last DJ. His journey illustrates that it's never too late to follow your dreams and that evolving is essential to achieving your goals. We will explore his beginnings in electronic music and how his passion inspired him to become a techno producer. Nick's "can-do" mindset will inspire you, and you'll learn why letting go of your "book of excuses" is crucial to pursuing your dreams. His story exemplifies what is possible for anyone willing to strive for their aspirations and move forward without looking back. This episode streamed live on 3/25/25 Links to The Last DJ (Nick Hayes): https://www.youtube.com/@thelastdj/ https://www.instagram.com/the_last_dj_ https://www.tiktok.com/@musicsounddesign https://open.spotify.com/artist/0vs4NkFUIWZFyYHXVU7IoQ https://www.threads.net/@the_last_dj_ https://soundcloud.com/last-dj-702556113 Host: Azhar "Ace" Hai ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ac3hai/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/fortherotation/⁠ Music: Adam Murakami ⁠https://www.instagram.com/elfourza/⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@elfourza⁠ Links to For The Rotation: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ForTheRotation⁠ ⁠https://www.fortherotation.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.fortherotation.com/merch/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/fortherotation/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552192755579⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@fortherotation/⁠ ⁠https://www.snapchat.com/add/fortherotation/⁠ ⁠https://x.com/ForTheRotation/⁠ ⁠https://www.threads.net/@fortherotation/

    1h 14m
  6. DJ Mamabear

    05/09/2024

    DJ Mamabear

    Discover the inspiring journey of DJ Mamabear, who has turned her passion for music into a successful lifelong career. Her story is rich with moments that will motivate you to keep striving for your dreams and never give up. We will delve deep into her experiences and present them chronologically to illustrate the transformative moments that have defined her success as a DJ. As you listen to her story, you will learn the importance of adapting to change, the power of resilience, staying true to your passions, and the significance of paying it forward to receive happiness in return. DJ Mamabear's narrative will inspire you to pursue your dreams, learn from your failures, and encourage you to turn your passion into a sustainable career. Links to DJ Mamabear: https://www.instagram.com/mmmamabearrr/ https://www.dublab.com/djs/mamabear https://linktr.ee/djmamabear Timestamps: (00:00) – Intro (01:17) – Early Music Memories, First Concert, Family Influence (03:39) – Selling Mix CDs, LimeWire Era, High School Hustle (04:40) – First Turntables, Getting Hit by a Car, Buying Gear (07:55) – Meeting Her Mentor, Learning to Blend, DJ Philosophy (10:51) – Realizing the Dream, Becoming a DJ, Authenticity (13:29) – All Vinyl Journey, Developing Her Sound, DJ Residencies (17:04) – DJing Full-Time, Burnout, Losing Joy in the Craft (20:18) – Rediscovery, Transitioning to Audio Design & Curation (25:49) – DJing Today, Vinyl vs Digital, Staying Intentional (29:32) – Evolving Career, Resilience, Overcoming Criticism (34:01) – Doing It for the Music, Giving Back, Paying It Forward (40:08) – Being a Woman in DJ Culture, Diversity, Inclusion (46:17) – Staying Professional, Standing Out, Skill Over Gimmick (48:10) – Current Practice, Buying Records, Bandcamp Fridays (51:16) – Future Vision, Hospitality & Curated Sound Experiences (55:38) – Final Thoughts, Where to Find DJ Mamabear (57:36) – Outro Host: Azhar "Ace" Hai ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ac3hai/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/fortherotation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Music: Adam Murakami ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/elfourza/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@elfourza⁠⁠ Production Manager: Jack Monforte ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jackmonforte/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Video Production Manager: Pablo Aguilar ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/pabloaguilarstudio/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@pablitomas⁠⁠ Links to For The Rotation: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ForTheRotation⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fortherotation.com/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fortherotation.com/merch/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/fortherotation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552192755579⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@fortherotation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.snapchat.com/add/fortherotation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ForTheRotation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@fortherotation/⁠

    58 min
  7. Jack Monforte

    05/03/2024

    Jack Monforte

    Take a deep dive into the career of the legendary live production guru, DJ, video producer, and audio engineer Jack Monforte. His humbling story will inspire and motivate you to navigate life's adversities and persevere in your career. Together, we'll take a chronological journey through his transformative experience, from when he first fell in love with music to how he discovered his true passion in live production. Jack will share how he overcame his obstacles and empowered himself with resilience to push through the most challenging moments of his life. Listening to his story will motivate you to succeed, commit to your abilities, and find your purpose by staying true to your passions. Links to Jack Monforte: https://www.monfortemultimedia.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jackmonforte/ Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro (00:39) - Meet Jack Monforte, Early Music Influence, First Turntables (04:03) - Record Collecting, Bedroom DJ Beginnings, Finding a DJ Partner (07:26) - First Parties, Gaining Confidence, Motivation Through Struggle (09:29) - House Party Lessons, Learning Programming, Love for House Music (12:38) - Moving to Alaska, Throwing Events, Building from Scratch (15:59) - Renting a Hangar, Booking Talent, Growth Through Vision (17:23) - Life Setbacks, Losing His Father, Pushing Through the Dark (20:01) - Back to DJing, Mixtapes, Rebuilding in LA (21:55) - Career Paths, Multimedia Work, Creating Opportunities (25:10) - Selective DJing, Staying Inspired, Evolving with the Music (27:52) - Programming Tips, Reading the Crowd, DJ Philosophy (31:22) - Women in DJ Culture, Diversity and Inclusion (33:06) - What Resilience Means, Creating Your Own Table (34:45) - Current Role at Grand Performances (35:41) - Where to Find Jack (36:36) - Final Thoughts & Outro Host: Azhar "Ace" Hai ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ac3hai/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/fortherotation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Music: Adam Murakami ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/elfourza/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@elfourza⁠⁠ Production Manager: Jack Monforte ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jackmonforte/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Video Production Manager: Pablo Aguilar ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/pabloaguilarstudio/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@pablitomas⁠⁠ Links to For The Rotation: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ForTheRotation⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fortherotation.com/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fortherotation.com/merch/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/fortherotation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552192755579⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@fortherotation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.snapchat.com/add/fortherotation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ForTheRotation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@fortherotation/⁠

    38 min

About

Hosted by Azhar "Ace" Hai, a seasoned audio engineer and lifelong DJ with 27+ years in live production, For The Rotation uncovers the real stories behind success. Originally focused on world-renowned DJs, the podcast now features creatives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries from all walks of life. Each episode explores pivotal moments, challenges, and mindset shifts to inspire listeners to pursue their passion, overcome obstacles, and find their rhythm—one story at a time.