DJ J1 isn’t an overnight success
Josh Raiford, also known as DJ J1 “The Posterchild,” is an American DJ, producer and radio personality. For more than 13 years, he has proved himself to be the ultimate turntable genius. Having worked with notable hip-hop legends from Gucci Mane to Ludacris, and new-school rappers like Big Sean, DJ-J1 has developed an extensive music catalog that would make one envious. But his success didn’t come overnight.
“For Christmas, my parents got me one turntable. That was all they could afford at the time. I didn’t have a DJ mentor. I just listened to the radio and tried to mimic what they did. That’s basically how I got my start,” DJ J1 says.
Leaving his New York roots behind, he moved to Atlanta where he attended Morehouse College. While he focused on pursuing a degree in marketing, his dreams of becoming a DJ had to take a backseat. To keep himself involved with the industry, he grabbed an internship opportunity with Hot 107.9 in the programming department. “Diddy and Dame Dash were both a big inspiration for me, musically. Watching them create their own individual record labels from nothing after starting out as interns was inspiring,” says DJ J1. After endless dedication he is now recognized as the hottest DJ in Atlanta and serves as the radio station’s assistant programming and music director.
DJ J1 spoke with rolling out to tell us more about getting his start in the industry, why social media is the key to his branding and the challenges he faces as a DJ.
Make sure to catch him on the air Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. for the 5 o’clock traffic jam, as well as Mondays from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. He is also the DJ/host for Hot 107.9’s live broadcasts from Opera, Cream Ultra Lounge, Mansion Elan and The Velvet Room.
Peep the highlights from the interview below:
How did you become a DJ?
I was 13 when I knew I wanted to work in entertainment. I grew up in New York City during a time when it was really running hip-hop. I had several friends that were rappers, so I figured they would need a DJ. I could not rap to save my life. I became a DJ to get myself out there in the music scene one way or another.
How did you come up with your name, DJ J1?
J1 was given to me by my mentor. I came down to Atlanta for school to attend Morehouse. I walked away from being a DJ while I was in school to focus on graduating. When I graduated, I didn’t have a job and I needed money. I reached out to one of my fraternity brothers who was a DJ and he gave me the name J1. I developed the name “poster child” from a Jay Z verse where he says “I’m a hustler’s poster child.” A poster child is what a person is supposed to exemplify.
Who influenced you?
I was influenced by DJ Clue and DJ S&S, [who] were some of the biggest DJs in Harlem when I was growing up. When I was younger, the Internet was really coming into its own as far as streaming and downloading music. The only way to get new music was by getting mixtapes or getting mix CDs. Diddy and Dame Dash were also both a big inspiration for me, musically. Watching them create their own individual record labels from nothing after starting out as interns was inspiring. Also, the fact that they were both born in Harlem gave me hope that I could fulfill my dreams too.
What are your passions?
I am definitely passionate about music, but first and foremost, God. Without my spiritual foundation, I wouldn’t be able to hold it all together. I become more passionate about radio as I continue to grow. Last year, I became the assistant program and music director for Hot 107.9. I am now able to train and mentor other DJs who were in the same position that I was when I first started. I love being able to create opportunities for other people.
What are the main challenges you face as a DJ?
The barriers of entry are so low that anybody can be a DJ. When I was starting out, you had to build up your music collection, and now with technology you can get into the game if you have money and Internet access. With the technology that is out now, you don’t even have to mix the music itself, because the computer program will do it for you.
How important is social media to your brand?
Social media allows me to have self-promotion, and that’s what promoters look for when hiring DJs. Now you have to be able to have a following and be able to promote yourself. Your social media has to be almost a reflection of you to a certain extent, because it makes you more marketable. I use Instagram, which is connected to my Facebook. I have my own database with email addresses and phone numbers to keep people updated on what I’m doing. I also have radio, which allows me to promote to a wide audience. I also leverage my relationships with these artists.
