OFF THE COUCH | DJ Heat
The nation’s capitol has a hometown hero that spins, scratches and blends music while staunchly staying true to her roots. You can’t mute D.C. and you can’t mute DJ Heat. This skilled talent was just 13-years-old when she first discovered her interest in DJing. She then went from fantasizing about spinning records to the real thing. An indelible spark was lit and a summer of saved paychecks led to her ultimately following her path and pursuing her passion. That small spark created a full-on flame, and DJ Heat took purposeful steps to align herself with her dream.
In addition to rocking the turntables, DJ Heat is an adept on-air personality with an amazing track record. First there were classes at her DC high school’s radio program, then studying at Morgan State University that spurned into an internship at WPGC 95.5 An intentional, not coincidental experience, the position put her alongside Big Tigger of BET’s Rap City fame. A chance recommendation from a fellow radio colleague lead to a full-time on-air position. DJ Heat later accumulated more experience by doing guest appearances on New York’s Hot 97, SiriusXM’s Shade 45, and many more stations across the country. DJ Heat joined Baltimore’s 92.3 WERQ in 2017 where she currently spins as a mix show DJ. She doesn’t just pride herself on her stellar musically laced career; Heat also revels in providing experiences. She often does so onstage while DJing for Grammy winning songstress Mya and, also for Grammy nominated songstress Carolyn Malachi.
“I just love giving people a great experience and seeing people’s reaction,” says Heat. I’m spending hours on YouTube, on playlists, updating my arsenal. I might be at the same event but I want to give people a unique experience every time. When you see a crowd react to a certain sound or a blend, it’s just a rush---music is my drug.”
It’s not lost on DJ Heat that there’s been a cultural shift when it comes to the music scene in the Nation’s capital. She’s seen it grow over the years and ultimately blossom, but one thing that has never changed is the true grit of her hometown. She proudly carries that with her as D.C. continues its plight against being diluted and silenced.
“When it comes to the natives of D.C. we are persistent, one thing is we’re going to make it known about our culture, we want to preserve our culture so much,” says Heat. “You saw #DontMuteDC, those are the D.C. natives I know. We want to stand tall; we don’t want to be erased. Come in but respect us, that’s the true thing that describes the people of D.C. “
What’s also true is DJ Heat’s current position as the official DJ for the 2019 WNBA Champion Washington Mystics and the NBA’s Washington Wizards. DJ Heat broke barriers by becoming the first ever female DJ for the Washington Wizards, and one of only 3 female DJs in the entire NBA. She’s continued to make waves in the sports industry by DJing the 2020 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in Chicago, the entire 2020 WNBA “Wubble” season in Florida, and the 2021 WNBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas.
There’s still much to come for this true talent who masterfully mixes aptness and art. She’s only scratched the surface. As proven in 2021 when DJ Heat was named by Washingtonian Magazine as one of DC’s Top TikTok Stars, thanks to her videos that showcase DC’s signature sound. The music movement in Washington has shown that you can’t mute D.C, and you also can’t mute DJ Heat.