The Introduction

Whats up world! This is my introduction to the blog world. I decided (after the advise from my manager) to start this blog basically to let people know whats going on in my world. Now obviously, most that will read this blog knows that i'm a dj. I've been djing since 2001, but it didn't really become my love/passion until 2007. And after a lot of soul searching, meditation & prayer, i decided to take a risk (big one at the time!) & pursue my passion. This was a very big step 4 me & was easily the scariest & hardest decision i've had to make in myh life. Deep down in my heart i knew it was the right decision though...

Please believe there were many days & nights i was like... "what the heck did i get myself in to?" But 4 the first time in my life, i truly had a belief that this was what i should be doing & i could make it. I'm thankful that a few people had my back & supported me in this decision (JDG, KRJ, PK, PT). I had to deal with a lot of backlash from some of my friends, but mostly family. Especially my parents. If you're an artist, musician or dj, you may feel me on this. It's crazy to me that it's so hard 4 people 2 understand what you're passionate about & wanting to put your all into that. My parents are so traditional & not having a 9 to 5 was like breaking all the rules! Even with the negativity, disbelief & lack of support, i still pressed on. It's actually really hard knowing that the one's responsible 4 bringing you into this world don't have your back. I wrestled with this 4 a long time.

Now, the natural response is to have the "me against the world" attitude trying to prove yourself. I went thru that phase 4 awhile but i finally came to realize & accept that there are just people who will not understand you or will not get what you're doing. And IT'S OK!!! We're not created to meet others expectations or to "fit in" or 2 do things based on someone else's thoughts/opinions or to be people pleasers. We're created to "STAND OUT". Be an INDIVIDUAL. To be LEADERS. In order to do these things you have to (1) be confident in your abilities/talents/gifts, (2) have faith (believing in the unknown) & be willing to take RISKS.

So, in the midst of this transformation (mentally, emotionally & spiritually) i had already made the insane decision to really "STAND OUT" by BRANDING myself. Which is probably the best thing i've ever done. I know how important that is when marketing or promoting something. People remember brands or better yet something thats MEMORABLE. So, after talking to a few folks i trusted 2 give me sound advice (CC, JDG, KRJ, NP, PK, RS) i chose to color my hair to set myself apart from others in my profession. Now, i will admit that i had reservations about it, so i went with a very mild color at first just to see what kind of response i'd get & to get used to having color in my hair. I can say today that i'm very glad i did.

Now, i must say that up til now it has been pretty well received. I mean, i'm cool with whatever people think about it. They either love it, hate it or don't know how to feel! LOL! I've learned to take whatever comments i get in stride. I've heard it all at this point & have gotten used to the facial expressions. It's actually amusing to me now. When others are with me, they get to witness the insanity too (which is priceless!).

So, anyway, back to djing... I owe a big thank you to my cousin Trev who let me use his equipment when i was starting out. He was so instrumental in the process. I remember my first initial goal being having a gig a week then 2 gigs a week. After about 9months doing mostly mobile gigs (i.e. weddings, birthdays, private parties) i knew that the only way i'd really be seen, get noticed & establish a following i had to add club gigs to the resume. Thanks 2 Jayson Booth, Brian Walker, J Stokes, Dj Row, Kahuna & Richard Jenkins 4 helping in this area... And also i hit the streets & networked like crazy!!!!! I was trying to get whatever gigs i could get. I searched all over the web, checked all the local papers & magazines, went on craigslist, hit up every dj i knew, passed out cards & called probably every club/bar/lounge/pub/venue in Metro Detroit. My pursuit was relentless & after about 6 months of doing all of that non-stop, things began to pick up.

Once things picked up, my goals shifted & i set my sights on doing club gigs more exclusively. Also, i decided to be more selective with the gigs that i took because, quite frankly, i don't fit with every crowd. And there is a certain atmosphere i look to provide & thrive in. I'm not the dj 4 everybody. Even though i play multiple genres of music, i don't fit in every situation. I'm thankful that things have worked in my favor. Another person who was very instrumental in this process is Dj Captn20. Because of him, i have the best gigs 2 have right now. And i've had the opportunity to connect with other great dj's as well. There's really no words to fully express the gratitude i have. It's one of the reason's i remain grounded & try to stay humble. You have to appreciate the one's that come into your life that can help you get to where you're trying to go. There's always going to be someone who's purpose is to help elevate you. IT'S PRICELESS.

Well, to cut things short (LOL) since i got a lil long-winded, I'm currently djing 5 days a week. And i love what i do!!! I'm living my dream. And enjoying every moment of it. I'm proud to say i'm doing it ya'll!!!!!! I'm glad i'm connected to great people who keep me motivated & inspired on a daily basis. Being a dj, have allowed me to meet tons of artists & musicians. And of course, great dj's!!! I just wanna shout-out my favorite dj's who i've admired: Dj Wax Tax-N-Dre, Dj Invisible & Dj Whip. THANKS 4 SHOWING LOVE & SHARING KNOWLEDGE/WISDOM.

I'll be blogging on a weekly basis to start... If you want daily updates, you can follow me on twitter & facebook. There are definitely more things to come so, stay tuned...

L BooG

twitter.com/boogsworld
facebook.com/djlboog

Weekly Schedule

Tuesday - Mandee's On Broadway (formerly Club Evolution) Open Mic Nite 9p-1a  NO COVER 1314 Broadway Downtown Detroit
Wednesday - Mandee's  Open Mic Nite 9p-1a  NO COVER  17132 Conant Detroit
Thursday - Ignite Sushi Bar & Lounge (MGM Grand) Ultimate Ballroom Experience 6p-1a  NO COVER
Friday - TBA
Saturday - U Me Drink (MGM Grand) Saturday Night Live 9p-1:30a  NO COVER

Diesel Boot Camp - Ferndale, MI  Fat Blastin' Fridays w/Charles Green
http://www.dieselbootcampllc.com/ Dates & Time To Be Announced