Daily Inspiration: Meet Tayari “DJ Trauma” McIntosh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tayari “DJ Trauma” McIntosh.

Hi Tayari “DJ Trauma”, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started with a simple statement ” You can be a DJ too.” changed my life.

I’m DJ Trauma, born Tayari McIntosh in New York City—but my journey really comes from a mix of New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.

I got my real start at Clark Atlanta University, where I began DJing parties and learning how to move a crowd. From there, I got on radio—first at Hot 107.9 and then at V-103, Atlanta’s number one urban station—and that experience changed how I looked at everything. Radio taught me the value of relationships—real ones. Not just doing the job, but building genuine connections with people over time. That mindset became a big part of how I move.

In June 2013, I got the opportunity to open up for Dave Chappelle in Atlanta. I knew it was a moment, but I also knew it could turn into something bigger. One of my close friends told me, “Don’t let this be a one-time thing—stay in touch and keep building.” So that’s what I did. I kept showing up, kept working with him when I could, and by November 2013, after a few more gigs together, he asked me to be his tour DJ. That was a real turning point for me.
In 2015, I moved to LA—and honestly, it was the best career move I’ve ever made.

When I first got there, I didn’t really know the nightlife scene like that. LA can be a little cliquish, and I wasn’t trying to force my way in. I took my time, paid attention, and figured out where I actually fit. I had some solid entertainment relationships from radio and touring, but I didn’t rely on just that—I wanted to build something real in the city.
So instead of chasing the scene, I created my own lane.

I started throwing house parties. Real curated vibes. We handpicked the crowd—brand people, label execs, creatives. It wasn’t about packing the room, it was about the energy. Those nights started getting talked about. People were like, “Who’s DJing these parties?” That’s really how my name started buzzing in LA—just off the vibe and word of mouth.

From there, things really started leveling up. I began getting booked for more celebrity events and high-profile experiences—everything from the MGM Beverly Hills store opening to the City of Hope Foundation, Tom Brady’s Roast at The Forum, Jay-Z’s Oscar Gold Party, the Academy Museum opening, and Serena Williams’ wedding.

One of the biggest moments came in 2017 when I DJ’d for Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s baby shower. It was a major event, but more than that, it shifted how I was viewed in those rooms. That moment really elevated my position in the celebrity DJ space and changed the way people valued what I bring—not just as someone who plays music, but as someone who can truly curate a high-level experience.

Around that same time, I got my first residency in LA at a downtown spot called The Reserve. I loved that room because it wasn’t industry-heavy or overly curated—it was just people. Regular Angelenos coming out after a long week to have a good time. That kept me grounded and sharp. It reminded me that at the end of the day, DJing is about making people feel good, no matter who’s in the room.

LA really helped me refine everything. It taught me patience, how to move with intention, and how to build something that’s authentic to me.

At the end of the day, whether it’s a house party, a club, or a big stage, I’m just focused on curating the vibe and creating moments people won’t forget.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My journey has had a lot of ups and downs.
There were times early on where I wasn’t DJing much at all, and I had to figure it out. I leaned on other skills—like graphic design—just to pay the bills and keep things moving. Those moments taught me resilience. They reminded me that this path isn’t always glamorous, and sometimes you have to do what you need to do to stay in the game.
A major challenge came in late 2017 when I had back surgery. I couldn’t travel or perform the way I was used to, and that forced me to slow down in a way I never had before.
But that moment pushed me to pivot.
That’s when I got my residency at The Reserve in downtown LA. I went from being a traveling DJ to really planting roots in one place, and that shift ended up meaning a lot. It helped me truly connect with the city—not just the industry, but the people—and build something consistent week after week.
I turned that setback into a defining moment—it showed me that detours often lead to something bigger, as long as you stay open and keep going.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the core, I’m a DJ—but more than that, I’m a vibe curator. My job isn’t just to play music, it’s to create experiences. Whether it’s a club, a private event, a tour, or a brand activation, I focus on reading the room, understanding the energy, and building moments people actually feel.

I specialize in blending genres—hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, reggae, dance, classics—and making it all flow in a way that feels effortless but intentional. That comes from my background—New York foundation, Atlanta influence, and LA polish. It’s a mix that allows me to move in a lot of different spaces and still feel authentic in all of them.

I think what I’m most known for is consistency and versatility. I can rock a room of 200 people or 20,000 and still make it feel personal. I’ve been able to move between touring with Dave Chappelle, doing celebrity events, and working with major brands, all while keeping the same approach—make it feel right.

What I’m most proud of is the longevity and the relationships. I’ve built a career that’s lasted because people trust me—not just to DJ, but to deliver an experience. That trust has opened doors to some incredible moments and rooms, but it all comes back to the work and how you treat people along the way.

What sets me apart is that I don’t chase trends—I READ THE ROOM. I take the time to really feel out a room and give it what it needs, not just what’s expected. And I approach every set with intention. No matter the stage, I’m there to curate something memorable, not just play songs. For example if its someone’s birthday, wedding, bachelorette party etc, I am going to make them feel special, shout them out, ask whats their favorite song etc. I specialize in MAKING MEMORIES!!!

At the end of the day, I’m not just pressing play—I’m creating moments!

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was actually a really shy kid. Quiet, kept to myself—unless I really knew you. I was definitely a bit of a nerd too. I was into things like Dungeons & Dragons, Transformers, watching *Robotech*—I was deep in that world. At the same time, I was super competitive. I played tennis and hated losing. That drive has always been in me.

Academically, I was strong in math and science. I went to Bronx High School of Science, which is a tough school to get into, so that was really my focus early on.

But growing up in New York City during the golden era of hip-hop and nightlife, that energy was always around me. And in high school, I had a friend who was a DJ. I used to ask him a ton of questions—about DJing, the equipment, how everything worked. One day he said something that completely changed my life: *“You know you can be a DJ too.”*

That thought had honestly never crossed my mind.

From that moment, something clicked. I went from being that quiet, analytical kid to becoming obsessed with music and nightlife. I started paying attention to DJs, how they controlled a room, how the energy shifted—it pulled me in.

Looking back, it all makes sense. I’ve always been observant and competitive. DJing just became the perfect outlet for both.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.djtrauma.com
• Instagram: @djtrauma
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/iamdjtrauma
• Twitter: @djtrauma
• Youtube: https://YouTube.com/iamdjtrauma
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/iamdjtrauma

Image Credits
Personal Pict – Jen J

photo 1; Mathieu Bitton
Photo 2: Aaron Wilson
Photo 3 Aaron Wilson
photo 4; Mathieu Bitton
photo 5; Mathieu Bitton
photo 6; Mathieu Bitton
photo 8; Mathieu Bitton