DJ Shorty Smooth is a champion as a DJ in his own right. I say that because of his numerous successes and one being overcoming drug addiction. He is nationally recognized as a steppin’ DJ. He is a national steppin’ instructor. He is an internet radio station owner. He is the number one R & B artist K’Jon’s personal and tour DJ. He is a husband, father and son. With all of that, I was curious about what made this man burn red-hot when he’s behind the box. I’ve always been intrigued about who he was as a man due to his steppin fame. I, with a nervous stomach, chose to reach out and see if he would bless my blog. He said yes steppers. Now I bring to you DJ Shorty Smooth, the man behind the box.
1. Which came first, steppin’ or DJ’ing? DJ’ing came before steppin’. I started playing music at house parties and school dances in 1980. But I want you to note that I have been involved in dancing just as long. But not steppin’. During the 80’s and 90’s I was in groups that competed and performed dance routines and was known for getting it in at house parties. I didn’t start my steppin’ life until 2004.
2. You are very candid about your past substance abuse, how many years clean? 21 years clean.
3. Do you mind sharing a small piece of your testimony? In short, the first major thing that I lost to active addiction was my turntables. My first event after getting my life together was at a 12 Step club. Look at us now. #fullcircle.
4. I find you to be proficient in your dance. Do you still take lessons and if so, from whom? No I don’t take lessons any more. I love to dance with a passion, but due to some injuries dancing had become quite painful for me. In spite of the pain I kept pushing for a while. Eventually, I had to stop and have surgery on my foot and shoulder. I’m almost 100% and will be dancing, teaching and competing again real soon.
5. East Coast Rap or West Coast Rap? For me it don’t matter where it comes from I just love good content.
6. As a DJ it is clear you have a following and me being one of your followers. What steppin’ DJ’s do you admire? I admire all of them for I have learned what or what not to do from each and every one of them. I especially admire the courage of those self-promoted, self-praising, skill lacking , shit talking, slackers, that are out here selling fireworks without a wick. Lmao.
7. You was in Las Vegas recently for a DJ’ing conference. How inspiring was that and what was it all about? I was invited to the Core DJ’s 2012 draft. I was ultimately accepted into the organization. This is the world’s largest DJ’ing organization. I was honored to be chosen. I have found that it is important to be in environments that motivate and inspire you to push forward. Being a part of the Core DJ’s has exposed me to some people, places, and things that really motivate me to persevere more, and more. I have accomplished a lot in the steppin game but I don’t want to stop there. I’m not gonna stop there.
8. Pick one DJ Butta, DJ Lady T, or DJ Queen B? Now you are asking me to tell you which one of my kids that I love the most. I am a mentor of each one of them. I’m taking them all, and in this order, Queen B to warm them up and get them ready, Lady T to mix it up in the middle, and Butta to provide a smooth but sweet close out.
9. How comfortable are you sharing the box with a female DJ and be honest? It does not matter if its male or female and skilled or not. It’s going to be me and that person’s responsibility to make sure that the party is a success. That may require me to sometimes taking a back seat to the other DJ or it may require me pushing them off the stage. LOL!
10. My all time favorite DJ is Kid Capri, who’s yours? DJ Jazzy Jeff out of all the famous DJ’s from the 80’s and 90’s. None of them could mix and scratch like Jeff. That man has real turntable skills.
11. Favorite city to step in and DJ in? Chicago in my opinion is the best place to play. You can play in every area of the music without any reservations. Those being steppin’, walkin’, old school, and new school music. But I have had my best times and best shows in the city of Detroit. As far as dancing, I have to go with Chicago. The only place in the world that you can get a high level and variety of dances 7 days a week.
12. Reality Show or Documentary? Documentary.
13. What is your guilty pleasure? At this point in my life, I am really into self-discipline. I don’t get into the guilty things much at all. I like to eat, but I off-set that by working out and having a balance in my diet most of the time. I love to shop for clothes and electronics. I work hard and save money so that when I see something that I want I can get it. But I must admit I’m still struggling with candy Lol.
14. What religion are you? Was raised a Pentecostal Christian. I am now as an adult practicing Spiritual Principles.
15. Last book you read? 7 Habbits Of Highly Effective People.
16. What is your favorite meal? Sushi
17. Large steppin’ set or a small local one? I’m in the middle, mid-size out-of-town.
18. Your radio show is huge and your following is loyal, how has the success changed you, if at all? To be honest with you, Oh So Smooth Radio has to be one of my greatest accomplishments. And that is of all time. Behind closed doors I have become quite arrogant and cocky about the success of the station. I have labeled myself the P. Diddy of internet radio. “Take Dat, Take Dat Take Dat” LOL. But it has also helped me realize that most of what I do is not about me, but about other people. The motivation for the station is for the listeners and the staff and that’s it, that’s all.
19. Who is your hero? My oldest sister. She came from a gang banging bad girl to a highly educated professional. It was not an easy task for her. I am a lot like her and still use her for motivation and inspiration.
20. Your on a plane plugged in, Dre Beats on, who are you listening too? Stephen R. Covey
Bonus Question: Every time I see you are always smiling. What puts that smile on your face? Well let me say this, I am not always smiling. But Most of the time I am. My life has had its fair share of ups and downs and I try my best to not let them consume me or my time. I have seen and lived through some serious dark sides of life. So in closing, my worst days in the light, are still better than my best days in the dark.
DJ Shorty Smooth revealed. There is nothing more for me to say but to leave you with this quote. “There is a crack in everything and that is how the light gets in.” If you would like to tune into Oh So Smooth Radio here’s the link www.djshortysmooth.com.
Love you guys, and as we go through out this life continue to move in Grace.
I LOVE 2 STEP 