We recently connected with DJ LastLaff and have shared our conversation below.

DJ, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Finding success in any industry requires several things including perseverance, persistence, and progression. Many people have different ideas on what success actually is, but what it takes to accomplish it doesn’t usually vary much. A lot of people are out here with motion, but no actual progression. Perseverance comes in to play when realizing success does not happen overnight. It takes long nights, fighting through a lot of closed doors, and not giving up when it seems like it’s not happening as quickly as you would like for it to. Persistence is required because you have to keep going even when it seems like things aren’t going your way. Others might not see your vision, but you have to push hard enough for them to understand. It’s important to always remember it’s not about just being successful, but being significant. Your success could be the spark that lights the fire under someone else.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve spent the last 18 years as a professional DJ. I’m from a small town in Alabama called Abbeville. I began DJ’ing at an early age. My uncle was a highly respected radio DJ recognized across the state. I remember being maybe 14 or 15 and he snuck me in to a nightclub to watch the show. From that night I was hooked. It’s crazy to think that my mom who should have been against me even going supported it, but she supported me from the start. Being that I was from a small town there weren’t any night clubs or events to DJ so I began throwing my own events.

In high school I began throwing teen parties that attracted attention and placed my small town on the map. Teenagers traveled from up to 100 miles to attend. My mom who became known as “Mama Laff” became my door woman in the early years. I did well financially through out highschool and earned a name for myself throughout the trip-state area. I then enrolled in Alabama State University where I continued to DJ and graduated with a degree in Recording Industry. Since that time I’ve continued to build my brand. I am now one half of The Greatest Show DJ’s along with DJ Firestarter and currently building the “Laff.” brand. That brand includes a few ventures which are close to my heart including clothing, marketing, and content creation.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Back around 2017 I lost it all. After spending years as one of the highest earning people in my area as a DJ I lost everything. In a way I got blackballed in my market. I had spent so many years at the top that I had gotten comfortable. One of my mentors Dr. William Ashbourne had always told me that, “It’s cool being the big fish in the pond, but one day you’ll become uncomfortable”. That year is when I truly understood what he meant. I had become way too comfortable. I quit expanding, networking, and growing my brand. Thats a mistake many of us especially in entertainment make. Sometimes we get distracted by the fanfare. People celebrate us and our success thus far and we get distracted from the finish line.

That period also taught me another valuable lesson in business and life. When I was out of sight, I was also out of mind. No one came looking for me. All the “love” I had been shown left when I was out of the picture. That year led me to push harder without the need for applause. I fought back and reestablished myself. By 2019 I was back in radio, back DJ’ing major events, and my brand was growing again. Complacency is one of the largest hindrances to progression. You can never get to comfortable!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Through every avenue of business I’ve ventured in to I’ve found that honesty has been one of the biggest qualities that attracts clients. I’m a person that says what needs to be said even if it’s unpopular and I’ve found that in many cases even if a person doesn’t agree with your position they tend to respect the honesty that you give. Honesty comes at a price. I was told when I first started in entertainment that it would be tough for me because I wanted to tell people the truth.

Throughout my career I’ve missed out on various opportunities and money due to honesty. Where many would consider this a reason to change I choose to focus on what I’ve gained. There are many relationships I’ve accumulated through out the years that are solely based on the same honesty that others rejected. Maintaining a brand’s integrity should be a top priority. What you stand for tell’s potential partners and client’s where you stand when it matter’s. A person in business who does what is right and stands on their beliefs regardless of the consequences can be trusted unequivocally.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @djlastlaff (currently suspended)
• Facebook: Djlastlaff
• Twitter: Djlastlaff

Image Credits
Phase 1 Photography