Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ GQ.
Hi DJ GQ, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Miami Florida, moved to Jamaica at 5, and moved back to Florida at 17 for college, and around that time started DJing. I did nightclub residencies at spots like Space, Mansion, and Voodoo lounge (Broward), then toured with Akon, and Kevin little (when “Turn me on” was a top 10 song in the world). Started producing and recording with DMX, Mr. Vegas, etc.
Started radio in 2009 on Y 100, and I was the first top 40 mixer on the station. In between, I was the official Myspace secret show DJ, and DUB car show DJ, Played the red carpet for the US Open, Pro bowl, and celebrity events. On the production side, I dropped my first EP in 2020 which hit number one on Reggae iTunes in 2½ hours, and charted #10 on the reggae Billboard charts in the second week.
I was on remix top 30 with Hollywood Hamilton up to his retirement from the show, which was in around 150 cities nationwide, and the biggest syndicated mix show in America. I currently do guest DJ mixes on radio stations across the country, still on Y100 weekly, and specialty mixes on Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong radio on SiriusXM.
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?
Ha! I feel no journey in life has a smooth road to get to it. The first big struggle in my life would probably have been culture shock moving from country to country. Then breaking into the DJ business, was at a time when people weren’t sure if DJing was even going to be a career. When I started I would constantly hear what are you going to do when you’re 25?
There were no legends or millionaires in the DJ business yet when I started Breaking out of the typecast of being just reggae was my next challenge, then breaking out of the typecast of being just Hip hop. Eventually playing Pop I thought I wouldn’t have to go through as many career challenges, but every career path has its own world of struggles.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about DJGQWorldwide?
I have a few hats. As a DJ I’m known for “Dubplates” (having hit songs re-recorded by the original artist with my name in it). This is a big thing in Jamaica, but I’ve done it across genres now, and have personalized Akon, 50 cents, etc. Also, known for energetic sets, and moving crowds. My production style is a pop/electric/reggae fusion.
I own GQ’s Craft House which is a bar that specializes in Craft beer and it’s a Hookah Lounge. People look at it as the house of GQ. I’m very pro music, I always push reggae where I can, and I’m always down to help or donate time to kids, or anyone when I can. I’ve been a part of the grammy association Florida chapter for over a decade, and I talk to kids about careers in music.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Work ethic. Whatever career path you take, you have to work it to the fullest. Doctors and lawyers don’t practice medicine and law on nights and weekends.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/DJGQWorldwide
- Facebook: Facebook.com/DJGQWorldwide
- Twitter: Twitter.com/DJGQ
Image Credits
J Redd and Jayden Hardie
