In Episode 17 of Digital Detox, Buying Back the Block, Matt Violinist is joined by DJ Stallion and special guest DJ Spynfo for a powerful, thought provoking conversation that goes far beyond music.

This episode dives into the origins of Sankofa House, how the idea was born, the purpose behind it, and the responsibility that comes with building spaces rooted in culture, healing, and community. DJ Spynfo breaks down the journey from concept to reality, shedding light on the intention, resistance, and faith required to bring Sankofa House to life.

The conversation explores the role of psychedelics as medicine, their historical and spiritual significance, and how they’ve played a part in personal growth, healing, and the foundation of Sankofa House. From mental health to self reflection, the discussion is honest, nuanced, and grounded in lived experience without sensationalism.

Beyond that, the episode confronts bigger questions around Black identity, collective trauma, ownership, and the work that still needs to be done. What does it truly mean to buy back the block? How do we correct our path? And what practical steps must be taken to build something sustainable for future generations?

As always, this isn’t surface level talk. Expect deep insight, moments of humor, uncomfortable truths, and reflections that challenge how we think about culture, healing, and progress.

If you’re interested in community building, wellness, Black ownership, or simply real conversations that aren’t afraid to go there, this episode is for you.

Welcome to Digital Detox.

In Episode 16 of Digital Detox, Matt Violinist is joined by DJ Stallion, DJ E-Class, and special guest Monita Kai for a real, unfiltered conversation about the journey behind the brand. Monita Kai takes us back to the beginning, breaking down how he evolved into an event coordinator, curator, and DJ, and what it really took to get there. From early inspiration and hard lessons to pivotal moments that shaped his career, this episode pulls back the curtain on the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between. This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a candid look at the realities of building a creative career. The doubts, the grind, the sacrifices, and the moments that make it all worth it. Expect honest reflections, laughs, vulnerable moments, and insights that will resonate with anyone navigating music, events, or creative entrepreneurship. Whether you’re an artist, DJ, event professional, or just someone who appreciates real stories told without filters, this episode delivers perspective, motivation, and truth. Welcome to Digital Detox. Where the stories matter more than the algorithm.

In this episode, we sit down with DJ Covy for a raw and insightful conversation about his journey into DJing, the realities of the music industry, and why the human element will always matter—no matter how advanced technology becomes. DJ Covy opens up about growing up in the Newark projects, his move to Bergen County, and the personal mission that fuels everything he does: breaking generational curses around financial instability, misplaced loyalty, and destructive habits. From being exposed to music early through his parents to teaching himself how to DJ after early frustration, Covy’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and long-term vision. We dive into the years most people never see—the period where he DJed for free, worked retail jobs, slept in his car, and pushed through homelessness while sharpening his craft. Those experiences shaped not only his work ethic, but also his philosophy on DJing, business, and life. Covy also breaks down how his style evolved over time—from an aggressive, competitive approach behind the decks to a more mature understanding of crowd control, creativity, and energy. He discusses the differences between New York and New Jersey DJ culture, his influences, and how talking to the crowd and reading the room can make or break a set. A major part of the conversation centers on AI vs. human DJs. Covy explains why he believes technology will never replace real DJs, emphasizing emotion, unpredictability, and human connection as the core of live entertainment. He also speaks candidly about the rise of social-media-driven DJs, the business realities of club gigs versus private events, and why skill still matters—even in a viral era. This episode is about more than DJing. It’s about discipline, boundaries, survival, and building something real in an industry that often prioritizes image over substance. 🎧 Whether you’re a DJ, creative, entrepreneur, or someone navigating your own journey—this one hits home. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS / TOPICS 00:00 – Introduction & who DJ Covy is 03:12 – Growing up in Newark & breaking generational curses 08:45 – Early exposure to music through family 12:30 – Learning to DJ & Caribbean influence on mixing style 18:05 – DJing for free, retail jobs & early sacrifices 24:40 – Homelessness, living in his car & mental resilience 31:15 – Competitive DJ mindset & opening for other DJs 36:50 – Maturing as a DJ & true crowd control 42:10 – New York vs New Jersey DJ styles 47:30 – Talking on the mic & engaging women in the crowd 53:05 – Private events vs club gigs (money & stability) 59:20 – Club politics & promoter expectations 1:04:45 – Social media DJs vs real DJ skill 1:10:30 – AI vs human DJs & why AI can’t replace energy 1:18:00 – Human connection, unpredictability & intuition 1:24:10 – Business discipline, boundaries & upfront payment 1:30:00 – Support systems, relationships & long-term vision

This transcript features an insightful discussion on the evolution of DJing, personal journeys within the music industry, and the importance of authenticity and community. The host, Matt the Violinist, is joined by DJ Stallion, DJ E Class, and special guest DJ Bless the Child.

I. DJ Bless the Child's Origin Story

Early Life & Aspirations: Born Adatoye Adun, Bless the Child grew up in the West Indian community of Uptown Bronx, with Nigerian and Jamaican heritage. Initially, he pursued basketball, playing through his early college years.

Transition to Rap: Feeling unfulfilled in college, he gravitated towards rapping. This led to performing at local showcases, learning the industry's promotional "game" (e.g., selling tickets, offering free entry to build buzz).

Radio Success: Achieved local recognition with two tracks, "Coco Loso" and "In My Zone," receiving airplay on Hot 97. He emphasized that promoting music involved selling not just the song, but the entire lifestyle and image associated with it.

Organic Path to DJing: While promoting his rap music, Bless formed connections with numerous DJs. He organically learned to mix records from a best friend, initially practicing for short periods after rapping sessions. His skills progressed from playing at small family gatherings (earning around $150 for 7-8 hours) to local weekly events, then larger neighborhood and city parties. He views this transition as a divinely guided alignment rather than a deliberate career choice.

II. Debates and Philosophies on DJ Culture

Authenticity vs. Transactional Relationships:

A central theme was the shift in networking from genuine support to transactional interactions. Guests lamented the expectation of reciprocation when attending events and the guilt often imposed if one couldn't attend.

Bless the Child emphasized the importance of showing genuine love and support without expectation, asserting that strong boundaries are essential in the business, even if they lead to accusations of "switching up."

The "Sync Button" Controversy:

Bless the Child holds a strong stance against using the "sync button" (which automatically matches BPMs) in DJ software, viewing it as a crutch that demonstrates a lack of manual mixing skill and diminishes the artistry of DJing. He argues that 90% of modern DJs don't know how to blend records manually.

Matt the Violinist offered a counter-perspective, suggesting that technology like the sync button can free up a DJ's "bandwidth" to focus more on crowd interaction and mic work, which is also an important part of entertaining. He compared it to choosing between cooking rice from scratch or using a rice cooker.

All participants agreed that a truly skilled DJ should possess the fundamental manual skills to adjust if technology fails.

DJing as an Art Form: The discussion underscored that genuine DJing involves not just playing music but understanding the craft, reading the crowd, and demonstrating skill (e.g., manual mixing, scratching, proper use of headphones). They criticized DJs who merely "push buttons" without active engagement.

Sharing and Mentorship: DJ Stallion shared an anecdote about Matt generously providing him with 3,000 sound effects, highlighting Matt's belief in giving back and fostering community rather than gatekeeping resources. This aligns with the idea that giving often leads to unexpected rewards and strengthens genuine connections.

Music Library Management: The DJs discussed the extensive size of their music libraries (Bless has 2 terabytes, 50,000-70,000 tracks) and the necessity of maintaining backups for digital music.

III. "Suits and Laughs" Event

Concept & Evolution: Bless the Child's annual birthday event, "Suits and Laughs," is now in its 16th year (fifth with the current theme). It originated as a formal "Truly a Blessing" party.

Multi-faceted Experience: The event evolved to combine formal attire with comedy and an after-party. It aims to provide a unique "three-in-one" experience: a brunch, an hour of live comedy, and a dance party, offering diverse entertainment beyond traditional club nights.

IV. Concluding Thoughts

The conversation concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of genuine support, community building, and passion over monetary gain in the entertainment industry. Matt expressed his deep appreciation for Bless's early influence on his career, solidifying the theme of authentic mentorship and connection. The hosts and guest advocate for realness and dedication to the craft, especially in an era where technology can sometimes overshadow fundamental skills.

Matt, the host of the "Digital Detox" podcast, along with co-host "Blackout," interviewing DJ Boogs. The conversation delves into the realities, challenges, and evolving landscape of being a professional DJ and entertainer, emphasizing the business aspects often overlooked by the public.

Main Topic: The authentic experiences of professional DJs, contrasting public perception with the demanding realities of their craft, including travel, performance energy, industry dynamics, and the pursuit of talent over popularity in a rapidly changing music landscape.

Key Themes and Insights:

The Reality of a DJ's Life vs. Public Perception:

Beyond the Glamour: DJs often face long hours, stressful travel (e.g., DJ Boogs' harrowing trip to St. Martin involving missed flights and tight connections), and demanding schedules, particularly during holiday weekends like Labor Day, which can involve "marathon" gigs.

Mental & Physical Exhaustion: The constant need for high energy, creativity, and focus on multiple gigs leads to burnout. DJs require significant time to "recharge" and often don't listen to music during their downtime, preferring silence for decompression.

Misconceptions in Relationships: Partners often misunderstand the nature of the work, expecting constant entertainment or questioning online activity during "downtime."

Defining "Humble" and Professional Pride:

Accurate Self-Assessment: The host, Matt, and DJ Boogs discuss that true humility involves having an accurate representation of one's skills, not downplaying genuine talent. They argue that being proud of one's achievements (e.g., events changing dates to accommodate a DJ) is a natural outcome of hard work.

"Pedestrians": They coin the term "pedestrians" for people who comment on an industry without being active participants, often critiquing success from a misinformed perspective.

The Evolving Music and Entertainment Landscape:

Fast-Paced Consumption: The digital age has accelerated music's shelf life; songs are hot for shorter periods, making it difficult for tracks to achieve "test of time" longevity like older classics.

Nostalgia and Sampling: Artists frequently sample older songs, leveraging nostalgia to connect with audiences, though even these remakes might not endure.

Rise of Female Artists: The industry made a significant push for female rappers (e.g., Ice Spice, Ruby Rose, Dream Doll, Cash Doll) due to their broad appeal and the "sex sells" factor, which resonates across diverse demographics.

Shift to Personalized Content: Podcasts, YouTube, and SoundCloud are replacing traditional radio and TV (like TRL) as primary sources of music and entertainment, allowing for more niche and personalized content.

The Art and Business of DJing:

Talent Over Popularity (TOP): DJ Boogs introduces his personal acronym, "TOP," emphasizing that true talent should be prioritized over mere popularity. He laments that many promoters book based on hype rather than skill, leading to a diluted experience.

Storytelling in Sets: A skilled DJ can "tell a story" through their set, transitioning seamlessly between eras and genres to evoke specific memories and emotions from the audience.

Reverence for the Art Form: Both Matt and Boogs stress the importance of DJs having genuine respect and understanding for music and the craft, not just playing songs.

MCing as a Skill: Matt recounts his initial struggle with public speaking as a DJ and how Blackout helped him overcome it, highlighting MCing as a distinct, essential performance skill. JB is also praised for his unexpected MC abilities.

Venue Atmosphere: The demeanor of frontline staff (security, door persons) significantly impacts the overall vibe of an event. Budget constraints often lead venues to hire staff lacking people skills, which can sour the guest experience.

Value of Collaborative Crews: The "By Far" DJ crew is praised for its structure, where each member brings unique talent and contributes to a larger, stronger collective, rather than simply riding on the popularity of one individual.

Personal Anecdotes:

DJ Boogs' Journey: He began in the urban hip-hop scene and transitioned into Soca, facing initial resistance but eventually establishing himself as "Soca Boogs" through dedication and talent.

Matt's Introduction to Blackout: Matt recounts a humiliating experience during his first DJ gig after winning a battle, where his inability to speak on the mic was rescued by Blackout, marking the beginning of their professional relationship.

This episode of "Digital Detox" features host Matt the Violinist, alongside Rob Beats, DJ Stallion, DJ Mal, and new guest DJ Remy. The discussion delves into the multifaceted world of the DJ and entertainment business, covering career progression, the dynamic between talent and hype, strategic pricing, and the inherent challenges of live performance. Key Takeaways: 1. Transitioning in the DJ Business: Inside vs. Outside Perspective * DJ Remy's Experience: Remy shares his recent "eventful summer," highlighting the shift from viewing the industry as an outsider to experiencing its inner workings. He notes that recognition often comes only after a certain level of success is achieved, rather than from initial efforts. He uses the analogy "you gotta bring ass to get ass," meaning established success often begets more opportunities. * Talent vs. Hype: Remy perceives his current success as largely driven by "hype" rather than a sudden increase in his talent. He estimates that breaking into the DJ market requires roughly 60% talent and 40% hype, with the latter being the more challenging aspect to cultivate. 2. Navigating Social Media Algorithms * Monetization Focus: Matt criticizes social media platforms (Meta, YouTube, Instagram) for designing algorithms that prioritize paid visibility, hindering organic reach for artists. * DJ Mal's Strategy: Mal offers practical advice: * YouTube: Focus on posting "shorts" frequently to leverage the platform's competition with TikTok. * Instagram: Prioritize consistency in posting. Utilize business analytics and find a niche to build a community, as platforms have become marketplaces for brands. Avoid pigeonholing your content by diversifying while still maintaining a core niche. 3. The Allure of Corporate Gigs * Financial Benefits: Mal, drawing from his experience and advice from industry figures like John Black (official DJ for the NY Jets), emphasizes that corporate events offer significantly higher pay compared to club gigs. He recounts a DJ earning $10,000 for a 45-minute set at Apple. * Landing Corporate Clients: Mal leveraged his engineering background and strong networking skills to secure major corporate accounts like Google. Building and maintaining relationships is crucial. * Transitioning Advice: While club gigs offer immediate "lit" experiences, the panel suggests for long-term financial stability, DJs should: * Network on platforms like LinkedIn. * Identify companies that host holiday parties and seek to connect with regional managers. * Consider joining an established entertainment company first for credibility, insurance, and foundational experience before branching out independently. 4. The "Power of Free" and Negotiation * Strategic Offerings: Matt argues for the "power of free" – offering a free service to demonstrate value, especially when trying to break into new markets. He stresses that this should be a proactive offer, not a response to requests for free work, which often indicate exploitation. * Beyond Cash: If monetary compensation isn't possible, Matt suggests negotiating for alternative forms of value, such as exclusive media exposure (e.g., an interview or feature from a major media outlet). * Determining Value: Mal advises against hourly rates, instead focusing on the client's perceived value of the service. By letting clients describe their needs and then asking their budget, DJs can often charge a premium, as clients are often willing to pay more for the desired talent and experience. 5. Professionalism, Mistakes, and Resilience * Shared Mishaps: The panelists recount personal "nightmare" stories from gigs: * DJ Mal: Forgot his entire controller on the way to a wedding two and a half hours away, necessitating a quick stop at Guitar Center to buy a new one. * Matt the Violinist: Forgot his violin at home for a multi-role wedding gig, leading to a frantic 40-minute round trip drive, all while battling the clock and external pressures. * DJ Remy: Played five instrumentals while heavily intoxicated at a high-profile club gig, leading to a disastrous set and a vow to never perform intoxicated again. * DJ Stallion: Drove recklessly through Washington D.C. to retrieve a forgotten first dance song CD, avoiding an accident and tickets. * "Less Wrong, Not Perfect": Matt champions leaving mistakes in public content, arguing that true professionalism isn't about perfection, but about being "a little less wrong" than the average person. He highlights that even top athletes and professionals make mistakes, and context is crucial for judgment. * Early is On Time: Mal emphasizes the importance of punctuality, citing his routine of arriving at Jets games before players and coaches, which builds trust and reputation. 6. Passion, Burnout, and the "DJ High" * Monetizing Passion: Remy, a talented pianist since childhood, grapples with putting a price on something he loves so much. Matt advises him to view his passion and invested time as value that clients pay for. * DJ as a Surgeon: Mal equates DJing to being a surgeon: entering a "cold room" with no prior knowledge of the audience's diverse moods, ages, ethnicities, or musical tastes, yet being expected to "heal" and make everyone party like family. This complex skill, combined with technical tasks, justifies premium pricing. * The "DJ High": Despite the challenges and occasional "duds," the electrifying feeling of a crowd being "lit" is a powerful motivator, leading to the "never quitting" mentality. 7. Life Lessons: Allowing for Mistakes * Matt concludes with a personal anecdote about learning to understand women's preparation time by observing and timing his girlfriend's makeup routine. He applies the DJing principle of "leaving room for mistakes" to relationships, advising proactive time management to account for unforeseen delays. The episode closes with Matt the Violinist, DJ Stallion, DJ Remy, DJ Mal, and Rob Beats, encouraging listeners to tune in for their sets.