Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Williams.
Hi Brandi , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
People often know me as Dread, but my journey into entertainment really started with a willingness to show up, network, and say yes to opportunities that aligned with my passion for media and connecting with people.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across several areas of the entertainment industry, building experience in reality television, film, music videos, digital media, and brand partnerships. Many viewers recognize me from appearances on Love & Hip Hop Miami Seasons 3, 4, and 5, while others may have seen me in music videos featuring artists such as Fat Joe, Bryson Tiller, and Teyana Taylor, as well as projects connected to the late Irv Gotti. I’ve also been featured in country and Latin music videos, which allowed me to expand my reach and work with creatives from different genres and backgrounds.
My first credited film role came with Secret Society 2, which was an exciting milestone because it validated that I could move beyond background work and become part of larger productions. Since then, I’ve appeared in Bad Monkey on Apple TV+ with Warner Bros. alongside Vince Vaughn, and audiences will soon see me in 72 Hours starring Kevin Hart.
Outside of television and film, music has always been a huge part of who I am. As DJ Dread on TikTok, I’ve created themed experiences like Ladies Night, Throwback Thursday, and other live music events that have grown into a supportive online community. I also serve as a brand ambassador for companies such as R3Birth Clothing and Endured Pressured, continuing to merge entertainment, culture, and community in meaningful ways.
Looking back, my journey hasn’t been about chasing fame—it’s been about remaining consistent, staying prepared, and embracing every opportunity to learn, grow, and leave a lasting impression. I’m still evolving, and I truly believe the best chapters of my story are yet to come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. Entertainment is one of those industries where people often see the finished product but rarely understand the amount of patience, networking, and persistence it takes to build a name and maintain momentum.
One of my biggest challenges has been overcoming the idea that if you’re not constantly on television or attached to a major project, you’re somehow not working. In reality, I’ve spent years building my portfolio across reality television, film, music videos, branded campaigns, podcasting, and digital media, often having to reintroduce myself and prove my value despite already having established credits.
Consistency has also been a challenge. There are seasons where opportunities come back-to-back and others where things become quiet. During those moments, I’ve learned to create my own opportunities rather than waiting for someone else to provide them.
As DJ Dread, I’ve worked intentionally to make my TikTok platform feel like more than a livestream. Through themed events such as Ladies Night, Throwback Thursday, Toxic Thursday, birthday celebrations dedicated to supporters, and monthly sneaker giveaways, I’ve been able to cultivate a community that genuinely feels appreciated and included. Giving back has become just as rewarding as entertaining.
Another pivotal moment in my journey was serving as a co-host for The Evening Experience podcast. That opportunity elevated my confidence, sharpened my interviewing and hosting skills, and strengthened my on-camera presence, allowing me to become more comfortable engaging audiences in real time.
Overall, the road hasn’t always been smooth, but every challenge has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying authentic. I’ve learned that success in entertainment isn’t always measured by fame; sometimes it’s measured by the impact you leave on the people who continue to support your journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I consider myself a multidisciplinary creative because I’ve never wanted to be confined to a single lane within entertainment. I specialize in creating experiences that allow people to feel connected, entertained, and genuinely appreciated, whether that’s through television, film, music, podcasting, live hosting, or social media.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to appear on Love & Hip Hop Miami Seasons 3, 4, and 5, participate in music videos featuring artists such as Fat Joe, Bryson Tiller, and Teyana Taylor, and work on projects associated with the late Irv Gotti. I’ve also appeared in country and Latin music videos, earned my first credited film role in Secret Society 2, joined the cast of Bad Monkey on Apple TV+ alongside Vince Vaughn, and most recently completed work on 72 Hours starring Kevin Hart, which audiences will see this summer.
In addition to acting and media appearances, I built a platform as DJ Dread on TikTok where I host signature experiences including Ladies Night, Throwback Thursday, Toxic Thursday, and special birthday celebrations dedicated entirely to supporters. I also organize sneaker giveaways and other acts of appreciation because I believe entertainment should be reciprocal. The people who support creatives deserve to feel celebrated too.
Another milestone in my journey was serving as co-host of The Evening Experience podcast. That opportunity strengthened my confidence as a host, sharpened my interviewing skills, and helped me become more comfortable engaging audiences in meaningful conversations.
I’m also proud to represent brands such as R3Birth Clothing and Endured Pressured as a brand ambassador, collaborating with companies that embody perseverance, individuality, and creative expression.
What I’m most proud of isn’t necessarily a specific credit or production—it’s the fact that I’ve been able to build a community. Whether someone discovers me through a television appearance, a podcast episode, a music video, a TikTok Live, or a giveaway, my goal is for them to leave feeling like they were part of an experience rather than simply watching content.
I believe what sets me apart is authenticity. Many people can entertain, but not everyone can make people feel seen. I don’t just perform for an audience—I engage with them, celebrate them, and create spaces where they can laugh, reminisce, dance, win prizes, share milestones, and simply enjoy being themselves. In an industry that often focuses on numbers and visibility, I’ve always focused on connection, and I think that’s why people continue to support my journey.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I believe the entertainment industry over the next five to ten years will continue shifting toward authenticity, accessibility, and meaningful engagement. Traditional media and digital platforms are becoming increasingly interconnected, allowing creatives to wear multiple hats and build careers that aren’t dependent on a single opportunity or platform.
I think we’ll see more artists becoming their own networks—producing content, hosting events, partnering with brands, cultivating communities, and creating experiences that extend far beyond television screens or music streams. In many ways, social media has become the new stage, and community has become the new currency.
Audiences today want more than content; they want connection. They want to know the person behind the brand, and they want to feel like they’re part of the journey. That’s something I’ve learned firsthand as DJ Dread through Ladies Night, Throwback Thursday, Toxic Thursday, birthday celebrations dedicated to supporters, sneaker giveaways, podcasting, and live interactions. People remember how you make them feel long after the music stops or the credits roll.
What makes me optimistic about the future is that I believe creatives who remain authentic and adaptable will thrive. I don’t just see myself as the face of my brand—I see myself as the heartbeat of it. While entertainment has given me opportunities, the people have given me purpose. Everything I create is centered around them, because at the end of the day, I genuinely do this for the people.
I think the creatives who will stand out over the next decade won’t necessarily be the ones with the largest followings, but the ones who can consistently create memorable experiences, foster genuine relationships, and leave lasting impressions. That’s the direction I see the industry moving toward, and it’s exactly where I hope to continue growing.
