Who is DJ Smooth?
What does it take to be a successful DJ today? One might think that all it takes is some turntables, music mixing skills, and charisma. Well, being a successful DJ is about so much more than that. Just ask DJ Smooth, also known as Jalen R. Hooker. He knows it takes dedication, a strong work ethic, and always being open to learning and keeping up with the latest techniques and trends in the industry.
Hailing all the way from Dayton, Ohio, DJ Smooth began to foster a love of music as early as elementary school. So much so, he started to work the sound system in church. From learning to control the microphones, adjust the amplifiers and record, his interest continued to grow, and he became more eager to learn.
We got to sit down with this young DJ for an interview and he shared his influences, how he balances, and his plans for the future.
Hype: You are young, energetic, and balancing life while wearing many hats. Tell me what a day in the life of Jalen is like?
DS: That’s a great question, and I would say my day is busy from start to finish. To start, I am a general contractor, building homes and making improvements on homes is my full-time job, along with DJing. I am also a full-time student at Full Sail University, so once I get home, I’m studying music, and then I DJ at home, perfecting my craft, listening to and downloading new music.
Hype: You became a Grammy U student. How do you feel that has now positioned you to learn more about the music industry?
DS: I think it has placed me in a great position and is giving me more knowledge and understanding of the music industry. It is pushing me to network more. I enjoy the mentoring that Grammy U gives from different artists and producers; it helps me understand more from someone who is a part of the musicindustry. It is always preparing me and giving me the fundamentals of what it takes to succeed in the music industry. Grammy U is a great place for young aspiring artists, producers, DJs, singers to join to get firsthand experience in the music industry.
Hype: You are a young DJ. Who are some of your influences, and what have you learned the most about mixing music and keeping the crowd entertained?
DS: My influences are DJ Envy, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Cassidy, DJ Khalid, DJ D-Nice. My ultimate influences are Teddy Riley, Jermaine Dupri, T-Pain, Tank, Charlie Wilson, Keith Sweat, just to name a few who I admire and who has made such an impact in music. I couldgo on because so many more have influenced me. I love mixing music because I can join two songs together, and they are completely different in beats but sound amazing, which leads me to entertain the crowd. What I also love about keeping the crowd entertained is singing along with the music, getting the crowd on their feet, rocking to the beat, and dancing.
Hype: Why did you choose the moniker DJ Smooth?
DS: That actually was given that name by my mentor DJ Authentic because he said I look like the comedian/actor JB Smoove, so I decided to take on the name and make it my own. I want to make DJ Smooth a name that everyone can remember when they hear it.
Hype: Though our paths are often given to us, what would you like your path to look like?
DS: I want my path to be filled with many things, such as getting into the music industry, producing music,DJing, and promoting concerts. Secondly, I want to continue to be a contractor by owning a business with my twin brother Jaden flipping houses. When people hear my name, I want them to be able to put a face with the name and know that I am destined for greatness because I believe that hard work pays off. I want to always be able to grow and learn so my path will be filled with many accomplishments.
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