Jerrel “Hardbody Kiotti” Brown is a radio personality and DJ at 97.9 The Box in Houston. He took a moment to sit down with rolling out.
When did you start deejaying?
Sticky “JR” Promo gave me my first job. He had a club called Plush, and he let me come in. He gave me a shot and ever since then, I’ve been rocking.
How did you come up with your DJ name?
When I first started deejaying, I didn’t want people to put DJ in front of Kiotti because I did so much that when I first started my DJ gig, I told them, “Nah, just say Kiotti.” [They kept saying] DJ Kiotti. So I just was like, it is what it is.
What albums do you listen to when you’re not working?
I definitely like Daniel Caesar, Summer Walker, Teyana Taylor, Ella Mai, [and] Rick Ross, “Deeper Than Rap”. I listened to Slim Thug SDS all the way through.
What makes working at 97.9 The Box special to you?
As far as the behind the scenes, I really see how much stuff that we do for the community. If you grew up in Houston, 97.9 was your station. If you were able to play for the dynasty in any sport, 97.9 is the dynasty. PERIOD.
What songs would you recommend for working out?
Anything trap.
What songs would you recommend for weddings?
Mary J. Blige — anything from the Share My World album; “POV” by Division; and Summer Walker’s “Girls Need Love.”
What songs would you recommend to start your day?
My [phone] alarm is “Get You” by Daniel Caesar.
Where’s the best place to go for food at 2 a.m. in Houston?
Velvet Taco restaurant for spicy tika chicken. They are open until 4 a.m. Also, The Breakfast Klub. They reopen from 10 at night until 3 in the morning.
Where the best place in Houston to eat, period?
For breakfast, it would have to be The Breakfast Klub. Lunch, the Turkey Leg Hut or Soul Food Vegan. Favorite ‘hood spot would have to be Lotus or LA Fisherman.
What are the top places to listen to good music in Houston?
The hot spot is the Address right now or Diablo Loco.
The best way to move a crowd is …
Cater to the ladies. Women are the engine of the club. Don’t forget that.
That odd track I throw in my mix to catch the crowd off guard is …
“Tennesse Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton.
Practice and research in my field are important because …
Music comes out so fast now. [There are] always songs you are going to miss. You gotta stay in touch with the community and the kids.
Instagram: @HardBodyKiotti
Twitter: @HardBodyKiotti
Facebook: Kiotti “Radio Boss” Brown
