We’re looking forward to introducing you to DJ Hustle®. Check out our conversation below.
DJ, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts early—around 4:00 AM. I begin with coffee, then I read ten pages from a book, pray, and give the glory to God. That quiet time sets the tone for my entire day and keeps me grounded.
After that, I head out for my workout. I run about three miles and follow it with roughly 40 minutes of intense weightlifting. By around 6:30 AM, I’m back home and fully locked in. I start answering emails and handling business, then I turn on my turntables. I practice for about two hours—working on blends, scratching, mixing, and integrating new music. Even after all these years, I treat practice as non-negotiable.
Around 9:15 AM, I shift into acting mode. I begin studying scripts for auditions and typically rehearse for two to three hours before submitting a virtual audition. If I have an in-person audition, I put even more time into preparation. On audition days, my entire schedule adjusts because that becomes the priority.
I’m very disciplined with my lifestyle. I don’t eat fast food, and if I’m not DJing that night, I’m usually in bed by 9:30 PM. The next day, I repeat the same process.
Consistency is everything for me. That daily structure allows me to stay sharp creatively, physically, and mentally—and it’s what allows me to operate at a high level in both acting and music.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is DJ Hustle—also known simply as Hustle. It’s the same person, just different lanes. DJ Hustle® is who I am behind the turntables, and Hustle is my actor name through SAG-AFTRA. I’m an actor, DJ, and TV host, and I operate all of it as one unified brand.
I’m the official DJ Hustle®, a federally trademarked name, and my background in entertainment goes back decades. I’ve appeared in national television commercials and films, and before that, I came up through dance—performing on shows like Star Search, Party Machine, Soul Train, and American Bandstand. I’ve also been featured in numerous music videos that are still in rotation today.
What makes my brand unique is range and longevity. I understand performance from every angle—on camera, on stage, and behind the scenes. That experience allows me to bring a high level of professionalism, presence, and energy to everything I do, whether it’s acting, hosting, or DJing major events.
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow DJ Hustle® as a premium entertainment brand while expanding my acting and hosting work. Everything I do is intentional, brand-driven, and rooted in consistency. I’m building something that lasts—on screen, on stage, and beyond.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
That’s a great question, because for me, it goes back to high school—my freshman year.
I was new at the school, and during PE our coach would have us run. Every time, I’d win. Without fail. He used to call me names like “Slick” or “Quick,” and I remember thinking it was funny because that wasn’t my name at all. What I didn’t realize at the time was that he wasn’t just the PE coach—he was also the football coach.
One day, I was out on the football field, not taking things too seriously, just chasing girls like a normal kid. He saw me and yelled, “Come here, Slick.” Then he stopped and said, “Alright guys, let’s hustle up.” He looked at me again and said, “Line up like Slick here… actually, never mind, kid—your name is Hustle.”
From that moment on, everyone started calling me Hustle. That name followed me all through high school and into college. What’s powerful about it is that he saw my work ethic before I did. He recognized something in how I moved, how I competed, how I showed up—before I understood what it meant.
To this day, I’ve known people for over 30 years who only call me Hustle. That coach saw me clearly before I could see myself, and that name became part of my identity long before it became my brand.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Honestly, no—I’ve never believed in giving up. But there was a time when I had no choice but to pivot.
During the actors’ strike, everything came to a stop. As actors, we had to follow the rules, walk the picket lines, and not work. Hollywood shut down, and for a lot of people, that was a breaking point. For me, it was a moment to adapt.
Instead of waiting, I leaned into my other hustle. I created my own platform called HustleTV. The idea was simple—my name is Hustle, and I’m on TV—but the purpose was bigger. I became the guy in the streets, doing interviews, showing up where the energy was, and creating opportunities instead of waiting for them.
I got so good at it that it opened doors I never imagined. I interviewed everyone from Snoop Dogg, Justin Bieber, DJ Quik, and Manny Pacquiao to countless artists, athletes, and industry leaders. I covered everything—from the hood to Hollywood—Oscar events, Golden Globes, BET Awards, MTV events. I did them all.
When the strike ended, I didn’t stop. I kept going. That hustle evolved into hosting red carpets and then DJing the same events I was hosting. What started as a pivot became an expansion.
That experience reinforced something I live by: when one door closes, you don’t quit—you build another one. You stay moving, stay visible, and stay working. There’s no giving up—only leveling up.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—what you see is what you get. The public version of me is the real me.
I’ve never believed in acting one way online or on stage and being someone completely different in real life. Authenticity matters. People can feel when something is forced, and they can feel when it’s real.
I’ve learned that the best thing you can do is be yourself. When you’re consistent in who you are, you build real trust—personally and professionally. That’s how relationships last, how brands stay strong, and how you can move through different rooms without having to pretend.
I show up the same way everywhere, and that’s why I’m comfortable with who I am and the work I put out.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m helping other people and when I know I’ve done the best job possible.
There’s a sense of fulfillment that comes from giving your all—whether that’s through music, performance, or simply showing up for someone when they need it. When I know I’ve delivered at a high level and made a positive impact, that’s when everything feels aligned.
Peace, for me, comes from service and excellence. When those two meet, I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.djhustle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhustle2407/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djhustle/
- Twitter: https://x.com/DJHustle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJHustleTV/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DJHustle
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djhustle2407
Image Credits
Megan Burke
