B.O.L.D member Rashaun “DJ Reezey®” Williams reflects on his journey as a performer, and acknowledges the people who helped him succeed.
—
I became exposed to music, the nightlife and parties in 7th grade; anywhere there was a party, my crew and I were there.
Inspired by the melodies, I started DJing at age 15. With no real equipment to start my career except two iPods, I hustled week after week, gig after gig until I could afford a DJ controller. The culture of DJing motivated me, and led me to perform all over the tri-state area—playing music at block parties, cookouts and Sweet 16’s—before I even graduated high school.
And while those types of events are loads of fun, there’s nothing like DJing for the community. Seeing people come together in service—whether it’s cleaning a community garden or a professional development conference—lifts my spirits, and being able to provide entertainment for those settings increases my natural high.
B.O.L.D member Rashaun “DJ Reezey®” Williams spins for Mighty Writers’ community block party in Philadelphia. (Photo Credit: C. Norris –©2014)
As a youth advocate, I’m proud to be the official DJ for the Philly Youth Poetry Movement, a volunteer-run organization that provides a safe space for Philly teens to discover the power of their voices through spoken word and literary expression.
Through the relationships I’ve built with PYPM and other institutions, this summer I’ll be blessed with the opportunity to share the stage with local and national DJs at an international poetry and spoken word festival called Brave New Voices, which has a series on HBO.
When reflecting on my journey as a DJ, I realize that none of my success would have been possible if it had not been for my best friends. My best friend Troy was responsible for getting me my first party gig at age 15. I wasn’t confident in my skills at the time, but the support I received from my friends made it a night to remember.
As years passed, more opportunities arose, mainly because my friends were spreading the word about me. When I graduated high school and had no way of getting to my gigs, my best friends never hesitated to give me a ride … they also never asked for gas money! Without my brothers, none of my success as a DJ would be possible.
They’ve given me the conviction I need to move the crowd, the sustainability and support I need to expand my network, and most importantly the spark that lit the fire.
To my brothers, thank you.
Be Great & Stay Phresh! Until next time, I’mDJ Reezey®& that’s the DJ’s drop!™
The post How A DJ Spun His Life onto a Global Stage appeared first on The Good Men Project.
