DJ: DJ SKETCHZ
CITY: MEMPHIS
Where did the name come from? I chose Dj Sketchz because I wanted my name to have meaning I consider djing to be art forms just like drawing a picture or sketching a picture. So that how I came with sketchz
So how did it all begin? I've always been around music my mom has played piano forever but for me I use just make a lot of neo soul mixes I was a barber by day and downtown Chris brown that was on 101.1 at the time was one of our regular customers got to hear a couple of them and thought I had a real ear for music and thought I should go for it so he let me hangout at a few of his gigs and learn so here I am..
What genre of music do you play? I play it all I feel if you’re going to be in this game why limit yourself so from top 40 to house...
What gave you that initial push? Wow man where do I start I’ve always been very close with Howard Q & Boogaloo & my guy Hypo I went to T.S.U with those guys so they have always given me encouragement also My guy Dj Kojac, Freddy Hydro & Chilli T. In Atlanta, But what really pushed me was I got to go to a party years ago and really hear my Dj Kutta man that dude is a beast!!!! To hear him work the crowd & scratch & transition music I knew then I wanted to go for it & become a Dj.
Did the Djing, Production, Promoting come 1st? I actually started with Howard Q & Hypo promoting parties back at T.S.U
Who's throwing the best parties at the moment? I would have to say my guys David Mack Marvin Todd, Ken Mack, & Craig Cunningham. Cool out & Social Therapy rocks!!!!So shout outs to those guys....
Which other countries have you played/put parties on? Wow I’ve had a chance to Dj in Atlanta also Dallas but I would love to hit some cities & out of the country...
What was the first event you ever played at/put on? The first big event was when Crumpys had their comedy club a couple of friends I put on a show with live entertainment with Larry Springfield & comedians Lester Bibbs & Tony Tone...We had great turn out... But we also had a tragedy happen with the death of officer Don Williams... So it made me back away from the promotion side it’s always tough when you try to give people a great time and someone comes and ruins it......
What's the best event you've played at/put on? Years ago I threw a New Years Eve party with Dr. Derrick Payne and few friends and if you've ever been to one of Doctor Payne’s events man you know people come out and party!!! We also had the legendary Dj Just Bourne on the 1's & 2's
What was your first record you bought? Man first records had to be Eric b. & Rakim paid in full
Out of all the tunes you have, which one 'never fails?' If your trying to get the ladies up I’d have to say lathum freak it that tune never gets old....
What's your favorite tune of all time? Wow I come from that break-dance & Hip- hop dancing era lol I have so many from Black Sheep This or That to Hashim- Its Time...
When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out? I actually like to cookout and grill so just hanging with friends & Family works for me I like to keep it simple..
So how is the scene in your eyes at the moment? Everyone is kind of doing the same thing it needs something new if it’s not Hookah parties its Day parties...
How big is your vinyl collection? What do you think of CDJ's? My vinyl Collection pretty big I’ve actually got the original sugar hill gang album with jump on it as well as the Original Here my Dear Marvin Gaye... I'm actually using the pioneer cdjs to Dj with me love them... But I also plan to buy some turntables I’ve used them so that vinyl has a total different feel...
Funniest thing that ever happened at an event? Wow I have to say these past few years I Dj a lot of parties for strictly jazz ENT. and they have a new year’s party at the Westin downtown so there people of all shapes & colors attendance when I played a serious of old school rap I look up and its two couples that are probably about sixty out on the floor pop locking to sir-mixalot baby got back when I tell you that was some funny ish!!!
What are your feelings on the MC's? Man its overrated people think that if you don’t talk to work the crowd then the party isn’t live so now we've got to have mc's on the mic all the time, But truth be told there will never be another Hypo.... But in this day and time nobody rocks a mic like B. Hall & C. Diddy so big shouts out to those brothers... But to each is own...
What do you do outside of the dance music scene? I was a barber for 19yrs... Now I’m the Marketing /Admissions Director for Memphis Institute of Barbering....
What advice would you give to up and coming DJs/Promoters? Just stay humble definitely stay in your lane make sure that if your djing or promoting your doing it for the love of it & not just the money because it’s a lot easier to do this every day if you’re enjoying it...
When you play is this pre planned set? For me never because each club, party & crowd is different just because I like something doesn’t mean the crowd will so I’m always trying to read the crowd...
What music artist is motivating the music scene right now? I have to say that whole Rick Ross clique French Montana, Meek Mill my guy Juicy J. Is gettin it!!!
If you could change anything about the night scene what would it be? Man make these brothers stop standing around like they’re scared of these women man I’ve never seen nothing like it... all of these beautiful women in this city and they won’t even hold a conversation with them it’s crazy!!!!
Do you feel the DJing game is changing if so how? Yes it has some good some bad I just wish we would come together in our city as a Dj I’ve found that a lot of these others djs get in these cliques man and won’t even speak to other djs or hate on them and that’s crazy I want to see everybody do well, But when you have a lot of grown men that act like chicks!!!!! We've let other cities pass our city when hands down I think we have some of the hottest talent around but we keep ourselves for shinning with this foolishness.......But on a positive note you have brothers like Dj Rocksteddy ,Dj Stylez ,Dj Xculsive & Dj Kaliber that are doing the some positive & big things so I salute those brothers....
If you could pick any place you could spin at where would it be? Anywhere in Vegas.....
What is the difference in a radio personality and DJ? Radio personalities are more like a host or Mc's you do have a few that do it all. A Dj usually does is it all from mixing, Mc, to controlling his or her crowd...
Where can you be found doing your thing? I'm @ Perignons Restaurant and Lounge @ 2818 Coleman Rd. Every Saturday Nite for Sensual Saturdays Ladies Free Till 10 2 for 1 food & Drink specials....So come holla at ya boy...
How can we find you on online? Facebook Dj Sketchz, Instagram Dj Sketchz
twitter @dj_sketchz
Anything you want to add before we close out? I'd like to thank you for interviewing me shoutout to my probeat Dj fam...
Be Blessed fam....
