Introducing Lala the DJ, she speaks Hip Hop!
Lala The DJ is fairly new to the wheels but has made quite the impression, having taken to the celebrated craft like a fish to water. What does she bring to the table besides being adept at rocking a crowd? Lala is fluent in multiple languages not to mention her degrees in Neurobiology and Psychology. Perhaps that’s her secret to making the party happen when she steps to the 1’s and 2’s.
Here’s the official line on Lala The DJ
A life-long musician and connoisseur of music from all decades and of all genres, LALA began pursuing DJing after graduating from the University of California with degrees in Neurobiology and Psychology.
The Bay Area-raised DJ prides herself on her open-minded perspective on all aspects of life, music included. She has channeled her diverse interests and background into her DJ sets – she specializes in transcending genres and pushing boundaries to create a unique musical journey for any given crowd. Though she is partial to hip-hop and R&B, she loves to creatively blend an eclectic assortment of genres- anything from dancehall to synth to trap, pop and beyond.
LALA is currently based in Los Angeles (Artist Submitted)
The Hype Magazine got Lala to weigh in on a few things including how she came to make her mark in the music world and check out the exclusive debut of the Lala Land mix series crafted exclusively for The Hype Magazine!
What brought you to the DJ culture?
I have been involved in music my entire life. Singing, violin, piano. Though I studied science in school (Neurobiology & Physiology), I was always equally, if not more, inspired by the arts, specifically music. I had been told by friends for years that I should DJ- there wasn’t a record in any decade, or any genre, that I wasn’t familiar with. So I gradually picked up DJing. I started with beat production, and DJing seemed like a way to incorporate performance and connecting to a crowd (which I love), into production.
Describe your style?
I’m an open-format DJ and I pride myself on my ability to spin for any crowd, but my personal favorite is hip-hop and R&B. I’m also a big fan of tracks with a minor-key piano playing behind some heavy rap flows.
What was the first record you start scratching and mixing on the turntables?
I was initially taught to DJ by a friend, a pretty prominent DJ in the bay area, who used strictly records/ turntables (as opposed to CDjs). The first record we practiced on was Nas’ Illmatic (1994)
You are a pretty diverse DJ, describe your favorite music scene
I’m attracted to energies put out by music – I love anything that makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a new world. A good example of this is how I’m drawn to, as in the Atlanta strip club culture. It’s so different than what I was exposed to growing up; I feel like I can’t believe my eyes everytime I’m surrounded by that energy.
Who and what are your influences?
I’m inspired by women. All women who are working to be prominent, and fighting to be respected and recognized in their respective fields. Whether its technology, finance, medicine, or music. More specifically, musically, producers like Zaytoven and of course Metro – such genius.
What artists are you listening to right now?
I love the latest OVO artists’ work, that neo-soul, alternative r&B sound. Majid Jordan and Roy Woods. I’ve really enjoyed the Metro Boomin/ Offset/ 21 Savage collaboration as well. Also, I grew up in the SF Bay Area, so I still keep up with & represent the new wave of artists coming out of the bay area, like SOB x RBE.
What would be the steps you would take as a Dj to Break an artist in your area?
A lot of breaking an artist is the digital marketing aspect. Making sure their online presence is solid, that their social media and fan bases reflect a solid engagement. Then, when you play their record, you have to play it between 2 similar, known hits, to get a chance to naturally see how the crowd is feeling towards that track. It’s important to be mindful of your audience and the venue as well – it has to make sense.
Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!”
I think anytime I see people getting aggressive and violent at different events and parties – I just don’t understand why someone would enter a place intended for FUN and unity with that kind of energy.
Bonus: Lala Land 1, The Hype Magazine Exclusive Mix
Lala x The Hype Magazine ‘Lala Land 1’ art
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About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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