On this episode of Pops N Drops, Chance the Closer and Rowdii sit down with BLERD—a rising DJ whose name celebrates his identity as a black nerd. With a year and a half behind the decks, BLERD recently performed at Realm and brings a fresh, thoughtful, educational perspective to DJ culture as well as the evolution of dance music.

We dive into his set-building process and his approach to crafting memorable dance-floor moments. We also explore the cultural roots of house music, the importance of honoring its origins, and the differences between being a DJ who mixes versus a producer who performs.

BLERD will be headlining Tech Tonic Thursday at Jungle Bar in Portland, Oregon on December 4th, 2025, and this conversation offers a powerful look into his journey, his influences, and the passion he brings to the scene.