DJ Epps Interview 🔥 Hip-Hop Legend Talks 50 Years, G-Unit, Rick Ross & Legacy | Rawrrzone Spotlight April 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKsmgz4i_GY

What started as an interview with a hip hop legend has blossomed into a profound and lasting admiration for his extensive body of work that has spanned over two decades. This artist's journey began in the vibrant and dynamic environment of hip hop's birthplace, where he emerged as a young DJ. His early days were spent spinning records at local house parties, where he honed his skills and developed a keen ear for music that would set the tone for his future endeavors.

His passion for music was evident, but the path to success was not without its challenges. Eventually, he made the pivotal decision to move to Florida with his mother, a move that would prove to be instrumental in his career. In the bustling city of Miami, he took to the streets with his record crates in tow, going door to door in search of that elusive big break. His relentless pursuit of opportunities led him to promote music for generations of artists, including some of the most iconic names in the industry, such as Rick Ross and the powerhouse collective known as G-Unit. His collaborations did not stop there; he also had the privilege of touring with hip hop icons like 50 Cent, which further solidified his reputation in the music scene.

His versatility as a DJ has not only earned him respect within the hip hop community but has also opened doors for him to perform at prestigious venues around the globe. Notable among these are gigs at New York's renowned Power 105 and Miami's WEDR 99 Jamz, where he captivated audiences with his unique style and infectious energy. In addition to his DJing prowess, he has taken his talents to the next level by producing his own show on LL Cool J's Rock The Bells Radio on Sirius XM, aptly named The Saturday Night Ride. This show, which airs from 9 pm to 1 am on Sundays, showcases his deep knowledge of music and his ability to connect with listeners, making it a must-listen for hip hop enthusiasts.

This year marks a significant milestone for him, as he celebrates his 50th birthday, a momentous occasion that coincides with Rawrrzone's 9th birthday. Given this serendipitous alignment of events, we could think of no better fit for our April Rawrrzone Spotlight than the one and only, the legendary DJ Epps. His journey through the world of hip hop is not just a testament to his talent but also to his unwavering dedication and passion for the art form, making him a true icon in the industry.

1) Last time we spoke, you broke down your journey—now stepping into 50, what does this chapter represent for DJ Epps?

That milestone represent a lot. It helps me look back at my pass to see what else needs to be done in the future with my brand such as personal Events,  more music to put out help shape the culture to be better and more successful investments. 

2. When you think about that 14-year-old kid rocking his first house party… what would he say if he saw you now? 

You did it, bro absolutely proud of the accomplishment and the legacy we built. 

3. What’s something people still don’t understand about your journey to becoming DJ Epps? 

How important it is to leave a major stamp in this culture as one of the world famous biggest DJ that my kids could be proud of and hopefully keep the legacy going to their journey. 

4. Over the years, your sound has evolved with culture—how do you stay ahead without losing your identity?

You gotta stay humble and continue to be ahead of the game. Always be ahead of the game so that allows you to adapt with what you’re facing in the future.

5. You’ve been in multiple eras of hip-hop—what’s one shift in the culture that challenged you the most?

One was the shift of the sound of the music that changed like twice in the course of my career. Another one was technology using Serato and going digital and leaving analog alone and last was the pandemic that made me realize everything could be gone in a snap of a finger but once again you have to learn how to adapt into the new world to move forward.

6. What habits or mindset changes helped you transition from “hot DJ” to “legend status”?

All the hard work dedication and having a great soul to make sure your fan base ambience, friends family know that you made it to legacy Status. 

7. You’ve built a reputation for breaking records—what separates a DJ who plays music from one who controls the room? Breaking Records allows you to be known as a person and introduction to a new sound or artist and once you balance that we’re rocking a party and doing radio stations shows how great of a DJ you are.  

8. In today’s era of playlists and algorithms, what’s the value of a real DJ in 2026?

I  think it’s your performance everybody and anybody is all of a sudden at Dj but if you could perform and make people go on a journey on a ride and remember you for what and how you made them feel is the difference. 

9. What’s a moment where you had to take a risk on a record and it paid off?

One of my moments is when Rick Ross came to me with a CD and a black sharpie on it that said HUSTLIN’.   This was an error and time where MUSIC was changing and I felt I had to take a risk on that change.

10. How do you approach blending global sounds into your sets while keeping hip-hop at the core?

it’s always great to be open minded with an open format and not just Hip hop.  I approach it by staying in tune with other genres of music and learn how to blend it throughout my performance.

Photo by Katie Kay Photography

11. Being Haitian-American, how important is it for you to represent culture in your mixes today?                            

It's just as important as the latin keeps Reggaeton in their music playlist Africans with Afrobeats etc. 

12. What city outside of Miami or NYC surprised you the most energy-wise?

It’s all  in the European and middle eastern side.   Like Dubai, Bahrain, Germany etc. 

they know how to party.  

13. Hosting your show on Rock The Bells Radio—how did that opportunity change your career vision?

That all happened in the pandemic when I was ready to hang it up and then a magical phone call from LL Cool J came through and offered me an opportunity to carry on my legacy and continue to do what I love to do.  

14. What’s the difference between DJing live vs curating a radio experience? 

DJing live in front of people is like having a therapy session and making sure you’re creating a room with the clients in front of you which is a great feeling as for radio I know I’m DJing for over 1 million listeners that is also a great blessing and feeling When you finally run into the person and they are happy to meet you. 

15   What do you want listeners to feel when they tap into “Saturday Night Ride”? 

As if there’s a party in the living room And they feel that energy through the box as if I’m right next to them. 

16.  What do you want the independent to understand or learn about the industry everytime they tap in with you for New Music Mondays or invest in promoting their music with you? 

That I am the DJ they need to help get their music or career jump started.  That’s why I created the platform cause there is a lack of support and new music being exposed.  That’s why I created NEW MUSIC AT 10 across my platforms.  

17. At 50, what are you still chasing? 

Energy, Knowledge, Health & Wealth. 

Pour all that into my investments for the future of my family.  

18. What does “legacy” mean to you now?

It will forever be means my REPUTATION. 

19.  How do you want DJ Epps to be remembered in hip-hop history?

As one of the greatest Dj of all time. 

20. What’s a behind-the-scenes story you’ve never told that defines your career?

My Family.     Something I will always keep private but know that’s who I do it for.  

21.  If you had to pick one night that represents DJ Epps at his peak… what night is that?

Sunday Night where I’m at peace and I recharge to my peak so I can do knock out the whole week again.    

22. Finish this sentence: “At 50, DJ Epps is just getting started because…”  

YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ANYTHING YET,

NO IM ABOUT TO #LTMFK

Follow him everywhere @djepps