Today we’d like to introduce you to T-Roc The DJ.
T-Roc, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am from Oak Cliff (BFL) in Dallas, Texas. Music has always been a huge part of my life. I started writing songs on an old IBM computer at the age of ten; this was shortly after my taste transitioned from Radio Disney (AM620) to “Hot 100” (Hip Hop radio station later named “Wild 100”). My musical growth went from songwriting to playing Drums at various churches starting at the age of 14. My drum life started with me playing under my mother who was an artist and musician in Dallas, known under many names such as: “Finesse”, “Tam Damzel”, etc. My mother was a great influence on me in the world of music; along with many other artists like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, etc. Very seldom would I have to ever see my mother work. All from music, she was able to feed, clothe, and raise three kids, step-kids, and our cousins. My mother could sing, write, play various instruments, and most of all PERFORM. It was inspiring.
At the beginning of my 9th-grade year in high school (2008/09), I joined the marching band at Townview Magnet Center. I had already taken an interest in production and DJing but would refuse to show that interest publicly at the time. It wasn’t until my 10th-grade year (2009/010) that I started rigorously learning and practicing at home. After my 16th birthday, I got my first job serving tables after school at Luby’s. That’s when I bought my first turntable (Numark TTUSB) and my first mixer (Numark M2), against my mother’s better judgment. I played music for my peers around me wherever I went that following summer. I even threw little dorm room parties for my peers in the summer program at Paul Quinn College. It gave me the confidence I needed to go public. My 11th-grade year was the beginning of something great.
After a two year educational struggle at Townview, my mother transferred me to Justin F Kimball High School in an attempt for me to turn my grades around. She felt as though I was trying to flunk out of the school on purpose in rebellion to me not knowing my father. Truth be told, I wasn’t trying to flunk out of Townview, I just really stopped caring about a lot at the time due to my father’s absence. I joined the “Marching Knight Train” Band and made friends early on. Word got around to my friends that I DJ and they quickly booked me to spin a few birthday parties. My senior year in high school was full of experiences. I had my last two class periods free as part of the co-op program. The program was to let working seniors with enough credits leave the school to be able to work and make some money. With me having lost my job not long after school started, I spent my free time hiding out in the choir classroom and practiced honing my DJ skills every day. My friends and I continued to do birthday parties and even started doing various events such as Kickbacks, Business Grand Openings, and Grown & Sexy After Hour Events. I met DJ Johnny Rip through my best friend and he began to mentor me. He gave me a mini “Ion iCue” DJ console to perfect my mixing and brought me to his events where he had me mixing in front of his different crowds.
From there, I began to spin at more Clubs, Quincenera’s, Festivals, and many other events and venues. DJ Johnny Rip also taught me mixtape DJing and the business side of the DJ game. I threw my own Kickbacks while attending the University of Texas at Arlington, where I adopted the nickname “Da Kickback King”, a name representing the liveliest kickbacks with the safest environment. My kickbacks were never shut down by police and never broke out in violence. Most people at the kickbacks had to spend the night, slumping over wherever they could and leaving in the morning. My only regret is not being able to meet and link up with DJ Duffey and DJ Poison Ivy at that time while I was there. Now, I continue to spin any and everywhere I’m booked while bringing great energy and unique styles to every event. With me, “T-Roc The DJ”, it’s more than an event. More than a show. Greater than a Vibe. It’s a totally different experience. I can be booked through call or text through my phone number listed. I can also be booked through social media via.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
At first, my mother didn’t believe in me becoming a DJ. I was actually scolded the time I bought my first turntable (we were late on the rent). I can only imagine my mother’s anxiety as she anticipated a Policeman to come to serve the eviction at any moment. Only to have the mysterious knock at the door be a UPS driver with my Numark TTUSB Turntable. I started off self-taught, which was a struggle of its own. Before I ended up meeting DJ Johnny Rip, I had to learn from books and DVDs I stole from the library. I still owe them a balance for that. At first, getting booked was only a figment of my imagination. Who would want to book some kid who wants to call himself a DJ? I started off DJing for free for my friends and peers. I encouraged everyone I could to throw a party for their birthdays. With me being a free DJ, I was always requested to do the job. Eventually, my prices would grow over months at a time (from $0-$20-$50-$100, and beyond). Things gradually got better as I gained more experience. I didn’t always have transportation either. Most times, I would carry my turntables, laptop bag, and backpack from the bus stop, to the train station, all across the city of Dallas. Facing all kinds of dangers. I’ve been followed. I was nearly stranded at the Ledbetter Station one night from almost missing the last bus. Owning DJ equipment is hard enough. Sometimes, that Jeep may go down or you may be low on the rent. Booking gets slow at the worst times of the month. That pawn shop starts looking real good at that point. Then, it becomes a journey of trying to stay above water with bills while fighting desperately to keep from losing your prized possessions. Getting booked these days is slightly more difficult than it used to be. With the simplicity of modern DJ software, many people could put a little thought into it and “call themselves” a DJ. Most don’t even learn the real skill, technique, and history behind the art. That causes most people to book their cousins or friends to play music at their parties due to how cheap the deal is.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a Disc Jockey from Dallas Texas who believes in giving my clients the most “bang for their buck.” Clients don’t only get a good DJ when they book me. I come with lights, fog machines, I like to connect with my guest when I DJ. I may speak or spit a few rhymes for them. I may even sing a note or two if need be. I will definitely leave the DJ booth in mid-song to go dance and step with my guests. I’ll always incorporate a turntable show in my events. My guests deserve it. What’s a true DJ without scratching anyway?
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would network a lot more. I’ve missed out many opportunities and great relationships with people, and now known celebrities, by simply lacking in the networking area. I would have also entered DJ battles way earlier. I feel like competition is always a great push toward reaching a mastery level of anything.
Pricing:
- Booking: Pricing is always negotiable. Call or Text 214-574-0127
- Call or Text for Mobile Studio Time: 214-574-0127
- Call or Text for Beats and Instrumentals 214-574-0127
Contact Info:
- Phone: 2145740127
- Email: djtroc.to@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trocthedj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJTRoc214/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/T_RocTheDJ
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/dj-t-roc-1
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
