Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Rue.
Hi DJ, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
20 years ago; I thought I had the perfect plan. Once I graduated High School, I would go to college, apply to Medical School and graduate to be a pediatrician. Did it go as planned? Not exactly! Music has been a part of my life since birth. Growing up watching my Grandparents sing Traditional Gospel across the world, church concerts that started after the Normal morning Church service, and later experiencing singing and traveling with my family opened doors that I never imagined. The examples that I had before me provided hope and set the tone for a nurturing and fruitful upbringing. My Mother sang background vocals for my Grandparent’s Gospel group who were internationally known during her high school career; she later graduated College and has been working in Corporate America ever since. My Dad, is a hardworking guy that started as young as 12 years old working in the Fashion Industry; this led him to being involved in the fashion/retail industry for over 30 years; onto later owning his own store.
So, remember that plan I had? I graduated from Troy High School in Troy, MI, and began singing background vocals for my uncles who were both Contemporary Gospel singers. I began studying music, arranging, musical production, and vocal theory. I always think of a Plan B, so this is where College fits in at Wayne State University for Fashion Merchandising, where after Graduation I stepped right into the corporate world as a Personal Stylist for Nordstrom. This is where I had an epiphany and I knew that my Career would change. My heart was elsewhere ….
2017 was the Year it happened; I knew that I had to challenge myself and step into an unfamiliar space in my life. I walked out of my last corporate job at Zara; and said to myself “you can do this”. Almost 5 years in Business; and it is the best decision that I’ve made. Things didn’t go as planned, but the pivot has been rewarding.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth road? Not so smooth. Although the bumps and potholes down this journey have taught me so much about management, business, and myself. As a DJ in a male-dominated industry; there are some unfortunate experiences that I’ve run into. From being told to dress more provocative, to lowering my price so that my worth was questioned, to retracting an opportunity due to personal beliefs, and more. Truly standing your ground and developing boundaries within your business is a part of being successful. One of the other obstacles I face is playing music that everyone listens to. Everyone doesn’t like the same music; So, every experience is different. Although at times overwhelming; I try to play many different types of Music so that someone leaves hearing their style and also making sure no Set is the same!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Music Mixer. I mix different styles of music to curate a vibe that is for the community to unite, be diverse and have cultural expression. I’m also an Entrepreneur, I have a Metro Detroit Vending Machine company that is for the customer needing to snack and still be on the move. MunchDrop LLC opened in 2019. I also have a Vibe Event company called DoubleDose Entertainment along with AngelAce of Detroit, MI. I specialize in being a creative resource within the Community. There are still so many things I have stored away, that hasn’t been released yet. Timing is so important when building and challenging your inner development; as well as your Business. I am most proud of, my inner determination. I have moments, where I cry it out and say, “maybe I should do something else”, or “maybe I should go back to Corporate and do Music on the side”. But! No, No, No, No I am just getting started; I can’t and won’t quit, my pages will keep turning.
What sets me apart from others? What’s for ME, is for ME!!!!! My name is already on it.
What are your plans for the future?
Future plans? I have so many things coming up in 2022 involving a Podcast, and future events in Metro Detroit. My Brand will always enhance; so, a new Website and Equipment is also in the works. Other than that, be better than yesterday and keep the community on the dance floor!
Contact Info:
- Email: iamdjrue@gmail.com
- Website: www.doseofentertainment.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_iamrue/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uknowRue/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZwkAqjFkMuKAiXbH-RNQzA
- Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/DJRue1/
Image Credits
Chelsea Stowers
Ebonie Davi
EastEats of Detroit
Robin Gamble
