Over the past decade and a half, Superstar Jay has proven to be much more than your average mixtape deejay. Stepping into the hip-hop arena at age of 12 and looking up to greats like Kid Capri, Ron G., and DJ Clue, it wasn’t long before Jay was labeled a mixing prodigy and making a name for himself in his native New York City and in upstate New York while attending Buffalo State College. His skills on the turntable eventually solidified him in the streets with a successful mixtape run and as a revered club rocker. Superstar Jay, who is also president of Da Union DJs record pool, hosts his own weekly radio series and podcast called “VIP Saturdays” where he locks in with veteran and upcoming emcees and plays some of the newest releases. “VIP Saturdays” airs on Shade 45, Eminem’s uncensored hip-hop music channel on Sirius XM Radio.
Hometown: Queens, New York
Currently spinning: All around the world
Genre: Hip-hop, R&B, reggae
Tag line: “If I’m not your favorite, I wanna know why.”
Social media handle: @djsuperstarjay
How did you come up with your DJ name?
My first name was DJ Basketball Jay, but in college, someone named me DJ Superstar Jay. I started deejaying at age 12 and I describe my style as a party rocker. I grew up listening to DJs in my neighborhood in Queens and on mixtapes. I feel music can change your mood at any time and can make you feel happy, put you in love, get you excited and also angry. It’s all an emotion.
What new music are you playing now?
I play everything that’s hot and what the people want.
What’s your process for selecting a song to play during your sets or at a gig?
It’s about the crowd and how the vibe is, really. You have to become an expert at reading the room.
What are 10 songs that should be in everyone’s collection?
All ’90s music.
How do you utilize technology in your daily business?
The Serato program has changed DJing. It eliminated the need for so many crates.
List three DJs you admire who made an influence on DJ culture. Why these three?
I admire Jazzy Jeff because he made deejaying skills known worldwide. DJ Clue made a lane for DJs to become millionaires. Kid Capri made it cool for DJs to travel around the world.
