With the masses consumed with the charms of “Netflix and chill” grown and sexy has never looked so good and nobody does it better than DJ Olivia Dope. The brooklyn native and longtime lover of music provides parties with perfect playlists that make attendees want to dance like nobody’s watching. We spoke to her about inspiration, personal style, and the importance of studying your craft.
See why Olivia’s so dope below.
Name: Olivia Dope
Location: Harlem, New York
Personal Style in Three Words: Eclectic, Colorful, Fun
Favorite Designer(s): I love Balmain. The artistry within their work is amazing. Samantha Black is another favorite of mine, and Laquan Smith his work is really good.
Must Have Accessories: Gold jewelry, and a good leather moto jacket because it goes with anything. It carries well.
How long have you had an interest in music?
All my life. I grew up listening to my parent’s music. There wasn’t one R&B artist I didn’t know at the age of 7.
At what point did you consider being a DJ a career path?
About five years ago. Seeing the control and power that DJs have over a party was remarkable to witness.
Who was your biggest supporter as you transitioned to a full-time DJ?
One of my DJ mentors; he goes by the name of DJ Big Reese. He taught me a lot about vinyl, Serato and the ins and out of how to really control a crowd. Also Legendary Damon, he let me show what I had to offer. He always has a lot of support for me and my talent. He saw it was really a passion of mine and supported me one hundred percent.
What is your greatest professional asset?
My hands. I work alot with my hands. DJing or dancing it’s all with my hands. I’m blessed to have working hands. Those are the biggest assets that I have.
Female DJs are more popular now than ever what does Olivia Dope offer that no one else does?
I know what it’s like in front of the DJ booth and behind the DJ booth. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend years as dancer and to really understand musicality. I understand what people would want to hear at certain moments of a party, what gets people moving without the influence of alcohol. That’s the generation we live in now everybody only feels comfortable to get on the dance floor because they’re drunk. Because I’m a born dancer I know what it takes to get people moving, to get people in the moment without feeling they need liquid courage. I get from behind the booth sometimes and dance with everybody else so they know it’s a safe space for us to have a good time.
What’s been the greatest moment in your career so far?
Growing up one of the first CDs that I owned was Junior Mafia’s “Conspiracy” CD. I knew in and out the whole Junior Mafia clique Biggie, Lil’ Kim… being from Brooklyn those were the hometown heroes. Last year I got the opportunity not once but twice to DJ for Lil’ Kim so that was a really big moment.
What’s been the biggest setback or obstacle on your career path?
A lot of folks go through it, getting out of our own head. You think you need to be a certain way, look a certain way, think a certain way. You think “well such and such is doing this on social media so I need to do this”. It’s okay to be yourself. It’s okay to not be one of the cool kids that come to parties to look really nice and just stand around. Be the first person on the dance floor, it’s okay. I’m a little bit more comfortable in my skin now. That’s the biggest thing that I’ve overcome.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
I like industry moms. I’m a fan of Taraji P. Henson because she went after her dream. Seeing other single mothers do what they love to do and become successful over the years, because it might look like an overnight success but it isn’t, is inspiring. Monica, her story is pretty incredible. I really like strong black women who have overcome the odds and the naysayers and are happy being themselves and living out their dreams.
Your career calls for a lot of late nights, how do you balance work with motherhood?
Boy I tell you it’s a lot of sleepless nights over here! It’s something you just have to do there’s no debating about it it just has to get done. There’s no breaks in this, there’s no sick days. You can sleep later-maybe.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Seeing the effect music has on people and how it brings everybody together. The power music has to bring everybody together on the dance floor and take them to a place of euphoria it’s really cool to witness.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
The lack of sleep but then I’m again I’m blessed to do what I love so it doesn’t bother me.
What three pieces of advice would you give to aspiring female DJs?
- Don’t lose yourself. Represent yourself one hundred percent.
- Put on blinders. It’s very tempting to look at what this person is doing and that person is doing and feel like I need to be doing what they’re doing or I’m not doing enough. Everybody has their own purpose of why they’re here and what they have to give to the universe. Just do what you do and be the best you can be.
- Study your craft. Not to knock anyone but there’s a lot of model DJs and DJs who are pushing buttons. It’s always great to do your homework, study your craft and make sure you’re not just a pretty face. Because a lot of men try to put us in that category Prove them wrong let them know you know your turntables and you know what the heck you’re doing.
What’s in your handbag right now?
Earbuds from my iPhone that I always keep with me, a book to read- The Coldest Winter Ever, I like to read in my downtime so there’s always a book in my purse, and a metrocard. I’m not one to carry a bunch of things in my purse-just the essentials.
To book Olivia Dope for your next event contact her here and make sure you come see her set at this year’s Shop LoveBrownSugar on Sunday December 6th! Get tickets here.
Photo Credit: Guyanese Girls Rock
-Keyaira N. Boone