Drake at Landmark Festival

Landmark Festival that took place in on Washington D.C.'s National Mall was a first for the Federal City. The festival brought in artists from Alt-J to (D.C's own) U.S. Royalty to Drake. The town was due for some good music and it got what it needed. It a city overrun with politicians and consultants, there's a need for art. Luckily great music will still be played by Washington D.C. Area DJ's well after the festival.

RAC - Changing the Game for DJ's

For the last few years RAC have made a name for themselves through re-mixing what would largely be considered Indie music. They've re-mixed songs from artists such as Phoenix, Two Door Cinema Club, Washed Out, and more. Their genre has been refreshing as they've taken a more subtle and nuanced approach to re-mixing. Both their choice of songs and style (surprisingly they do more than add a sub-bass) have made them stand out to become one the most affordable DJ duo's of our time.

DJ Khaled's Features on New Album

When was the last time you heard Drake, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross in the same place? That's right, never before! Theses new mixes from DJ Khaled have some of the sickest features of the year. His new single "I'm On One" has all three of these hot artists. Be sure to check it out, it's so good i'd play it at my wedding.

DJ Khaled and Some Smooth Rides

Ever wonder what kind of car your favorite DJ drives? Well, i wish the answer were that simple, but the truth is, a man of the kind of money and class drives many cars. The picture below show Khaled a black Mercedes, but i guarantee you that it changes on the daily. He probably takes a Ferrari to the wedding he DJ's and then takes a Range Rover home. Who knows?

Best Quotes of DJ Khaled

This week we're taking a look at some the best quotes from America's best DJ. It's D-J KHA-LED!

“I used to breakdance, be a b-boy. I love hip-hop from 
back in the graffiti days, growing up listening to Michael Jackson. Loved it from birth. I know 
it all, from Afrika Bambaataa, the roots and the beginning. I came up in a good era.”

“I started DJing soundclashes. I used to go to Jamaica a lot. I 
was like a hip-hop sound boy, where I took the dancehall culture and mixed it up with the hip-hop as well. I kept going, going, and I got real hot in the streets of Miami—you know, doing pirate radio—then ended up doing 99 Jamz, the big station out there.”

DJ Khaled on a Skateboard

We're all about being professional here at the DJ blog. We're not about that skater lifestyle. The boy-man who never grew up and still lives with mom, can't hold down a job, doesn't really care, and is bad with time. That's not us. So when we see DJ Khaled on a skateboard it's only natural that we frown upon this. It's not only the fact that he is riding the board but that he sucks at it and is wasting good time. He could be using that time to DJ at a wedding for goodness sake! This man is out to lunch and as much as we like to make this blog about him, we simply cannot support his decisions this time around. Sorry DJK.

DJ Khaled's new single with Rick Ross

Out today is the new single "They Don't Love You No More" with DJ Khaled and Rick Ross. Along with the single is a music video so hot you'll be sweating. It has a very creative and unique approach to a rap music video. It's not what you'd expect. The video depicts Khaled and Ross hitting golf balls off of luxury vehicles and sipping champagne with their homies. What's especially interesting is the number of appearances by other famous rappers. With all these balls in Khaled's kourt, i think this video is bound to blow up and this will be the summer of Khaled.

DJ Khaled Takes The Heat

If you've read our last post, you know what a fool DJ Khaled made of himself last week in the middle of the Heat vs. Spurs controversy. Apparently a lot of people have been reading my blog, because all the homies on Twitter were pissed. You can read about that here. Anyhow, i would let this sink in if i were you. I'll tell you what i told the last ten people, I wouldn't want DJ Khaled to dj at my wedding. What a disaster that could be. Watch out people. Keep your ear to the streets.

DJ Cole Plante

Cole Plante is only 17 years old and has been DJ-ing for a little over 3 years. He has worked with Skrillex, Avicii, Major Lazer, and many more. He recently did a TED Talk where he explained what he does. He's quite impressive for his age and if you get the chance, check out his talk here. This is especially good for the person who wants to start DJ-ing but isn't sure how to start.

Why Is DJ Khaled The Best?

A consistent theme running through all of DJ Khaled's albums is: "We The Best." This begs the question, "At What"? What is DJ Khaled the best at? My answer: We don't know. It must be something, because the guy is still going. I know he does a mean anthem. "All I Do Is Win" was definitely a chart topper, but was it that good? Yes. I'm perfectly fine admitting that Khaled is more than a wedding DJ and we don't have to know why. The point is... He's good.

DJ Khaled Is "Making The Best Music I've Ever Made"

DJ Khaled is all about inspiration. He's making new music and he's "the king of anthems." He's doing it "for the streets and for the people." He's gotten to the point where he's suffering from success. He's been the king of summer for the past seven summers. This is going to be eight. Eight summer's with hit singles. While he's confident this is just another year of success. Some people have doubted his ability to still be relevant and have asked the question, "what's left for you to do?" He may not have an answer for that, but he means business. Peace.

Westin Annapolis Wedding Venue

If you've never been to Westin Annapolis, you should. If you're having a wedding soon, you definitely should. This venue is one of the hot spot for weddings at the moment. I've DJ'd several times at this venue and they've done an incredible job every time. If you're looking for a DJ in Annapolis, they can help you find one. This place has been great to all of my clients, i definitely recommend it.

This Beat is Too Hot Too Handle

How do you draw the line? As a DJ how do you know when a beat is THTH (too hot too handle)? It's a tough decision and i'm not sure i have a right answer for you, but i do know this. I've been so hooked on this new Drake single "Hold on, We're Going Home." This beat is def THTH. It's got all the makings of a great song and is a guaranteed must play. I consider myself the world's most versatile DJ. Why? Because who cares about the genre when the beat is good and pocket is tight? No one. No one cares.

DJ Can't Make You Dance

Being a DJ is a tough job. You've gotta call the shots. You control the mood. Wherever you go is where the people go. But not always. Sometimes you've got a killer mix and someone is sitting there throwing a pitty party for themselves or maybe their too cool for the club or too kool for kanye. Who knows. Point is... sometimes there are things that are just out of our control. Regardless, keep up the good work fellow dance instructors. That's what we are. We're unstoppable.

DJ's - Coolest Venues

I've been thinking about the things that make a party great. There are so many variables about parties and weddings in particular. It's nearly impossible to get everything perfect. But when things do come together it's incredible. One of the most important things to me is the venue. I recently saw this picture of a venue and it really made me want to hone my skills as a DJ so that i can mix at some of the coolest venues out there. Check it.

You Can Be A DJ Too!

I was at a wedding last weekend and i saw something that really inspired me. There was this DJ there. He was just a kid. Couldn't have been more than 15. He was good. But what really got me was that he was a ginger. It taught me something. Anyone can be anyone they want to be. Don't let anyone tell you any different. His skin was so pale. You can be what you want to be regardless of they way you look or talk or feel. He had many freckles. This wedding was off the hook. We owe it all to him. Thanks Gin. Check it.

DJ, It's Ok To Cry

Something i think we've all been thinking about lately is that stoic stereotype that the DJ is to often slapped with. Just cus you're a DJ doesn't mean you don't feel like the rest of us, am i right? I went to  a wedding one time and the DJ was playing some sick mixes, but i started feeling sick as a sat there and watched him. He looked so emotionless as sat there and played such sick mixes! I ended up in the hospital that night. Turns out my appendix had burst and that was causing me to see the world in a strange way. But still, all i'm saying is... DJ, it's OK to cry.

How to do The Wobble Dance

There are a bunch of recognizable and almost expected group dances that DJs are asked to play at weddings and events. Among them are dances like the Cupid Shuffle and Cha Cha Slide, as well as older group dances like YMCA and the Electric Slide.

One of the newer (but not new) group dances that has been climbing the request charts is The Wobble by V.I.C. If you've been to a wedding recently, chances are you've seen it, or possibly if you had a DJ at your company holiday party. Either way, it's here to stay and you might want to learn how to do it.

How to do The Wobble:

Wedding DJ Gear #2 - Microphone

As a wedding dj you're most often also performing emcee duties including making announcements, introducing the bridal party, and coordinating other parts of the night like the cake cutting and other traditions. In order to do this you'll need a good, confident voice, and most importantly, a microphone.

Since the dj needs to get a message across in the midst of 140 guests who're all talking, a good microphone is essential. Of course the speakers matter and even the cables you use, but the microphone is what picks up the sound and therefore is of utmost importance.

Daehyun Park / CC BY 2.0

Wedding DJ Gear #1 - Turntable

Today we're starting a new series of blog posts in which we'll feature one piece of gear a wedding dj needs to do their job. Today's photo is the turntable. Though traditional turntables are not required to be a DJ (there are CD players, controllers, software, etc.) they are the most recognized.

Every good DJ has certain tools they work with to bring the fun, mixing, and entertainment to their audience, and for most DJ's, the turntable is the most important.

Boris van Hoytema / CC BY 2.0