We recently connected with Dj Spectakulah and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dj , thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The spark for my journey as a DJ began early. I was only 11 when my mom gifted me my first turntable and mixer. Music was already a big part of me—I loved it as far back as I can remember—but this moment felt like it unlocked a whole new world. Growing up just across the bridge from NYC in the ’80s and ’90s, I had this incredible access to legendary hip-hop radio shows that defined that era. Nights were often spent tuned into shows by pioneers like Special K & Teddy, Red Alert on Kiss FM, Funkmaster Flex on Hot 97, and of course, DJ Stretch Armstrong’s show on 89.9 FM, along with the WKCR Halftime radio show.

Hearing those DJs—especially their scratching—hooked me completely. There was something mesmerizing about the way they manipulated sound, transforming a song’s vibe in an instant. Then, during my freshman year in high school, everything clicked. A friend who was also into DJing showed me a video of the USA DMC Championships with the legendary Roc Raida taking the title. Watching him command the turntables and witnessing the skill, precision, and pure artistry that went into that performance left me in awe. In that moment, I knew this was what I wanted to do. That vision of competing and taking DJing seriously as a career path became my focus. I’ve been fortunate enough to live that dream ever since 1999, building a career in DJing and Turntablism that’s taken me through decades of incredible experiences.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I got my start in DJ instruction by building a reputation in the DJ competition world. Winning a World Title in 1999 and two National Scratch Titles in 2023 and 2024 helped establish my name and opened new doors in the industry. I was part of a crew called “The Allies,” with notable members like A-Trak and DJ Craze. In 2005, a crew member working at Scratch DJ Academy invited me to guest instruct. Seeing how committed the students were to mastering the art of DJing made me realize how much I wanted to teach. I started learning the curriculum and observing various teaching styles from other instructors, which eventually led me to become a full-time instructor in 2010. Since then, I’ve taught at Dubspot and now Sound Collective NY, where I guide students in DJing and turntablism.

I offer tailored instruction for all levels, from beginners learning the basics of equipment and setup to seasoned DJs looking to add advanced techniques or fresh styles to their skillset. My approach stands out because I’m patient with my students and adapt to their unique learning curves while pushing them to reach their potential. Watching my students improve, perform, and incorporate what they’ve learned makes me incredibly proud. My goal is for each student to become self-reliant, using my guidance as a foundation to build their own style and knowledge.

I want people to know that I love what I do—it’s my life. Whether someone has me as an instructor or books me for an event, they can always count on my dedication and professionalism.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to show that skills matter. I understand that not everyone who aspires to DJ wants to compete or achieve elite skill levels, but learning the craft properly is crucial. The average person may not fully grasp the nuances of what I do, but when they see me perform, they recognize that what I’m doing is serious and requires dedication. My goal is to ensure that this art form is respected and endures as long as humanly possible, preserving its integrity for future generations.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing the results of dedicated practice pay off. I practice every day, and I encourage my students to do the same—not just to put in the hours but to practice with purpose. This means focusing on cleaning up any bad habits or working intentionally on a new style they want to learn. When I perform, whether at a party or in a competition, and see the impact of that hard work, it’s incredibly fulfilling. Being able to make a living doing what I love, seeing growth from practice, and knowing I’m setting an example for everyone makes it all worth it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djspectakulah/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djspectakulah/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dj-spectakulah-70512260/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iVtL161FsQ
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djspectakulah/tracks
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG4S4_rQWW0&t=54s

Image Credits

Dj Priime