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How did you get started as a DJ, and what keeps you excited about it?

From listening to Hip Hop in '81-83 (Sugarhill Gang, Blondie, etc). That music influenced me to the elements of Hip Hop; Breakin'. Beat-Boxin', Emceein' and Graffiti. My inspirations to DJ started in 84-86 from listening and watching Grandmaster Flash, Jazzy Jay, Jam Master Jay, Eric B, Cash Money, Tat Money, Jazzy Jeff. Mr. Cee, etc!! I was always intrigued at how the person playing the music captured the audience.

How did you get the name “B-Blast”?

My original DJ name was "Innovator ACE" in the late 80's. But, after high school and enlisting in the Army, life happens. I stopped the pursuit toward DJin' to focus on handling my responsibilities. Years later, I got back into DJin' in 2018 and even resumed my original name. But, soon realized the name was corny! I needed a name that quickly describes my DJin' style while at the same time being easy to remember. I want people to have a Blast, then; BOOM! B-Blast came to mind!

How would you describe your sound and the energy you bring to a set?

My approach to my sets for a cafe is setting my own personal challenge to see how far I can go with the 15 minute journey. I'm a turntablist, love the sound of break-beats and try to integrate as many different types of genres and sounds in a short amount of time. This keeps my interest at a high level to create my sets. Demonstrate my skills and the risk involved with putting music genres together that shouldn't work. Even to the degree of discovering non-musical sounds and finding the rhythm within it. With so much music and sounds to choose from; you're the only one that can stop your growth from becoming better at you LOVE!!

What’s one song you can count on to get a crowd moving?

That really depends on the dynamics of the crowd!! But, to be safe you really can't go wrong with Frankie Beverly and Maze - Before I Let Go.

What has been your most memorable DJ moment so far?

I'm at the '25 DJ Expo at Atlantic City's Hard Rock hotel, providing music at the Cerwin Vega booth and having the Rock N' Soul booth directly across from me. The amount of DOPE DJs that were able to hear me: Mell Starr, Scram Jones, Boogie Blind, Babu, Melo D, Fat Fingaz (who gave me dap up) etc. Another moment was the first time I spun right next to Grand Wizzard Theodore at the Temple of Hip Hop in Newark, NJ May '25. He gave me the screw-face from hearing my blends.

Who has influenced your style, musically or as a DJ?

My DJin' style is influenced by Hip Hop and the multiple DJs I identify with from the 80's to now. I also enjoy touching all kinds of genres of music to date back to the 1920's. My love for break-beats, I really enjoy listening to different rhythmic percussions. I tend to find the beauty in the instrumentals and change it up to make it funky in a B-Blast way! I think that's due to me being a former beat-boxer too!

What inspired you to start the DMV chapter of the International DJ Cafe? 

I was inspired to start my own DJ Chapter after I participated in a DJ meetup held in Delaware in Dec. 2021. I was hooked and noticed something like this needs to be in the DMV area. While attending a different DJ meetup in Delaware in March 2022. I was approached to join a DJ crew called Allyantz DJs. I was able to get the information required to start up something similar in the DMV area. And that I needed to speak with DJ Jay Rock (International DJ Cafe, Founder) to proceed under his brand. But, I wasn't successful shopping the idea with venues local to me. Soon after, I met DJ Hines at the same DJ meetup where I became a member with Allyantz DJs. I asked the members about DJ Hines becoming a member of the crew. At that time, I mentioned my efforts with trying to secure a spot to host a DJ meetup in DMV. She said she would speak with the owner of the venue (5 Sisters Lounge) where she frequently DJs. On August 21, 2022, we held our first DJ meetup event and the rest is history!

What are you most proud of the DMV chapter for accomplishing?

I'm most proud of our Chapter's growth, the way we network and help each other, and how other DJs' first impression of our Chapter is always positive. 

What do you hope members gain from being part of the chapter?

I would like for our members to continue to enjoy and bond with each other. This keeps the heartbeat of our Chapter running strong. Explore creatively and take risks by challenging themselves with their sets. And to see more members wanting to take the initiative to offer more of themselves to help better our Chapter. 

What advice would you give a DJ who is just starting out?

My advice to someone who's new to DJing. They should continue to PRACTICE, come to our DJ meetups and observe the different DJing styles, DJ software and hardware used by the Chapter members. Ask questions, find the genre of music they're more favorable to listen to and PRACTICE. Research the understanding of the equipment and software you're using (unless it's vinyl) and PRACTICE. Review videos of other DJs on YouTube, again ask questions, come to our DJ meetups and most of ALL; PRACTICE!!!

I'm DJ B-Blast, and I thank you for taking time to view my Spotlight!!