Meet DJ Drip | DJ, Influencer, Public Figure.

We had the good fortune of connecting with DJ Drip and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DJ, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up playing sports all my life, football, baseball and basketball. At the start of high school I joined the football team and played junior varsity for the first 2 years, I didn’t make the freshman baseball team and my high school was known for basketball at the time so I knew better than to try out for that. I knew deep down I wasn’t a star athlete and my passion for sports wasn’t very high, it was just something to do. When I took interest in music and becoming a DJ, that passion was something I never felt before, I felt separated from what everyone else was doing, I felt like this was something that was made for me to do, it felt like my early calling in life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe what sets me apart from others in my field of work is my youthfulness, my age, my go-to choice of music, my knowledge within todays urban hip-hop based culture. I feel my self-confidence is a huge part in what separates me from others, being so young in such a elder based industry but so confident and driven to be a part is what makes me stand out. My knowledge when it comes to music selection, blending, crowd reading, stage, mic and self presentation is what makes me stand out so young. I am most proud of being accepted into my dream college Columbia College Chicago just based off the fact I was accepted because of my self-put-together resume, which really only had DJ accomplishments on them, only being about 4 years into my career at 19 years old. Im excited to see what the future hold for me, only being 21 now and having accomplished so much I’d never imagine. I believe I got to where I am today in my career by dedication, determination, consistency, adapting to all environments I was thrown into so quickly and by keeping a clean image as not only a DJ but as a person. I wouldn’t say it was necessarily easy, nor has it been hard, I think I just knew what needed to be done/what needs to continue to be done to prosper in my career and reach the goals and achievements I have/ want to reach. Any challenge I have come across in my journey thus far, I have kept my focus, planned on how to execute the challenge, then when the time came, gave it my all as if I’d never have the chance to do so again. Lessons I have learned along the way; time does not wait on anybody, if you want it, you do anything by any means to get it. Hustle beats talent. when talent doesn’t want to hustle. Sometimes it really isn’t about what you know, its about who you know. Kindness, respect, a nice posture, a strong handshake and eye contact can take you a very long way. You can’t win them all, take your losses as a lesson learned. You can do anything you put your mind to, literally.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week long trip, let’s say they arrived on a Monday, I’d take them to all the Chicago tourist attractions for starts. The bean, Michigan Ave, State St., the Chicago Sky Deck, Navy Pier, ride them all around downtown, them take them to try some Chicago pizza for dinner. Tuesday I would take them through all through Chicago, over east, out south, out west and up north, giving them some Chicago culture facts as I play them some of Chicagos most iconic music and giving them background information on the music and culture based on what side where riding through. I’d take them on on the major highways and then a cruise on LSD. Wednesday I’d show them the CTA train transportation system, I’d take them to get some Harolds Chicken for sure. Starting Thursday I’d take them out to some of my favorite clubs in Chicago, such as Tunnel. Liqrbox, Play, LITE, Prysm & TAO. Some of my favorite things to do are go shopping downtown, wicker park, river north and other shops scattered throughout the city, I like getting drinks and food with friends on rooftop bar & grills. I also enjoy just driving through the city, seeing all the people go about there regular day through the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Mother – Angela Regalado My Grandfather & Grandmother – Richard & Patricia Regalado
My High school – Bishop Noll Institute
My Hometown – East Chicago, Indiana
My Best friend – Lee’Vonte Kelley
My Best friend – King Inesse
My Managers – Dre & Bae Wicked
& The city of Chicago

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonlydjdrip/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXqNPzuBtcf78WCfKOYj4Yg

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@theonlydjdrip?lang=en

Image Credits
@01.Visuals @idkmjr @livin.jo @mastermindfotoo