DJ Darkchild
Name: Henry Smoke
Current city: Atlanta
Style/Genre: Open Format, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Afrobeat, Reggaeton, EDM, Trap Music
Rolling out’s Master DJ series spotlights DJs recognized in their respective cities who are making an impact in their communities. Raised in Atlanta, DJ Darkchild has created a lane for himself not only as a DJ, but also as a radio personality.
From orchestrating your favorite hits on the ones and twos to spinning in Atlanta’s nightlife, he provides music mixes for every occasion.
Rolling out recently caught up with DJ Darkchild to learn more about his process for pulling off a successful set.
Where are you currently spinning?
Compound, Gold Room, Josephine Lounge, Alibi, Suite Lounge, Cru Lounge, PinUps – all located in Atlanta.
What makes the experience at those locations special?
My mission is to always provide a quality unique experience. In the spaces I spin, you will get that feeling that you felt [as] if it was your birthday, or it will remind you of that one HBCU party that was so lit that you didn’t want to leave.
What are 10 songs on your playlist for that space?
- Shawty Lo – “Dey Know”
- Da Baby – “Suge”
- Sunshine Anderson – “Heard It All Before” (acapella)
- Lil Baby, ft. Future – “Out the Mud”
- Nipsey Hussle – “All My Life”
- Burna Boy – “Ye”
- Davido – “If”
- Megan Thee Stallion – “Cash S—“
- Young Thug – “Bad, Bad, Bad”
- Chris Brown Drake – “No Guidance”
How do you use technology to organize yourself, record music and get the crowd pumped up?
I use Serato, Mixars MKII Duo mixer and a CDJ. I use these to basically let the creativity just role.
What are your three favorite apps?
Serato, Serato, Serato.
What two favorite drinks are served at your locations?
Henny or 1942.
Where is the best place to go for food at 2 o’clock in the morning after your set?
Waffle House.
Who are your three of your favorite recording artists in the market?
[That’s] hard because my market coincidently is the home of the culture right now, but I would have to say Future, Kwony Cash, and Swazy Baby. Swazy is my bro, and he definitely will be home soon to be introduced to the world.
Name three of your favorite friends and influencers who are active in the market.
Jabbar Cash, K Botchey, [and] Team Major League.
