Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Snuggles.
Hi DJ, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, right out of high school at Edison Senior High. I started doing all the talent shows and competitions I could get my hands on, City Wide Talent Show for high school kids, State Fair Talent Contest, Walker Arts Hip Hop Battles, and everything I could be a part of. I was, and I was winning. And It was Beatboxing. During that time (05/06), many shows were going on like that here in our hometown. Everywhere from that point, I met my really good friend (Toki Wright), and being as connected as he is, he introduced me to a lot of people, and I was blessed enough to be in the presence of a lot of artists that were starting and top tier at that point. I learned a lot on and off the stage that would help me with my artistry and help build me into the black man I am today after winning and doing shows, trying to build my name, and just being in the scene. I started to work with Brother Ali and sell merchandise on the road. From that, I was offered to be his tour DJ some years down the road, tours, offs, Mini Runs, all of it! I love Touring the most because of it! I met so many people and, connected with so many, learned a lot more about the business because of Ali and the associates at Rhymesayers, and I am forever grateful. Once that was over, I started to work on music and merch and continued to perform at shows. I’ve had some major commercial spots and some low-budget ones, but it still works, and I’m thankful! Been able to still work alongside artists I never thought id be able to work with at one point. Still Learning and still working!!
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?
Not at all, lol lol whats a smooth road?! Lol, what does that even mean??! Dealing with loss in life is always hard, especially when you are close to that person, and I dealt with that before I had to head out to Cincy back when I was going for Scribble Jam. I had won the year before and wanted to come back and try to win it again, but the vibe was completely off for me; my brother had killed downtown Minneapolis a week or so before the event. I didn’t win, and it was a long drive back lbs. Another time Ali and I were on the road, my mom’s place caught on fire like a big-time fire. Since I’m the only immediate family, my mom has been out of state. While that happens wouldn’t sit too well with most having to rush and call so many favors and try to set stuff while prepping for a sold-out show at the Metro in Chicago’s nerves everywhere but where they needed to be. Also, I was left in London mid-tour cause of an emergency that happened and didn’t know anybody.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a beatbox first and a DJ second. Beatboxing is like breathing to me. It’s like playing a video game live on stage, and I’m the engine!! I see sounds in color most times onstage or when I’m sitting to myself. I’m most known for my beatboxing, without a doubt, but being in the game and being fascinated with turntables and the art of DJ’n, I wanted to learn it without a doubt when I was younger. When I started to take DJ’n seriously, Serato was coming out, like brand new, and CDJ’s were hot at that point. So I got to learn just in time during the transition of everything. I also create spaces where the artist can perform and express themselves! What I think sets me apart from others are my name and natural God-given talent. I started when I was 10 years old, trying to make noises and mimic songs and people but in an early form, creating. This art of mine has taken me all across the country and states. And I’ve been able to share it with so many people, and I’m thankful for that.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Follow me on social media if you have any; I’m always posting where you can Catch me next performing.
Twitter: @itsDJSnuggles
Instagram: @itsDJSnuggles
www.DJSnuggles.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DJSnuggles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsdjsnuggles/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItsDJSnuggles
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/itsdjsnuggles
Image Credits
Serene Supreme Isiah Allen Marc James Anderson
