In an era where hip hop often lives and dies by algorithms and streams, one DJ is determined to remind the world of the culture’s mixtape roots. Enter DJ CEO, the newest addition to the storied Black Market Records family, a figure who’s reviving the art of the mixtape and pushing it back into the forefront of hip hop.
DJ CEO’s journey is one built on both grind and vision. Before signing with Black Market, he carved his path through the club circuit, working residencies across different cities and honing his ability to move crowds. He also built a strong reputation in radio, both online and on FM, where his deep ear for music and sharp mixing skills earned him opportunities to appear on platforms as major as Shade 45. Those early experiences laid the groundwork for his evolution into one of today’s most promising mixtape DJs.
A couple years ago, DJ CEO made his official leap into the mixtape world with Street Gods Vol. 1, an independent release that sent shockwaves through the underground and beyond. Featuring appearances from giants like Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, and Kurupt, the project not only proved DJ CEO could pull heavyweight talent but also that he had the ability to curate music that felt both authentic and timeless. Street Gods Vol. 1 set the tone for his career as someone committed to both honoring hip hop’s legacy and innovating its future.
He followed up in November with a bold and unexpected collaboration: The Doggilation EP. A four-track project built alongside none other than Snoop Dogg, the EP showcased Snoop’s legendary voice blended with emerging voices from across the scene. The project not only demonstrated DJ CEO’s ability to bridge generations but also cemented him as a tastemaker willing to push boundaries.
Like the mixtape legends before him—DJ Drama, DJ Kay Slay, and DJ Skribble—DJ CEO understands that being a DJ is about more than spinning records. It’s about storytelling, curation, and creating platforms for artists who deserve a spotlight. That vision is what led to his recent signing with Black Market Records, a label historically known for launching the careers of West Coast titans like Mozzy, Brotha Lynch Hung, and X-Raided. With Black Market behind him, DJ CEO is preparing to release Street Gods Vol. 2, the highly anticipated follow-up to his breakout project.
But DJ CEO isn’t stopping at mixtapes. Alongside Black Market, he’s also launching a new division called Black Market DJs, a collective aimed at giving DJs their rightful seat at the table in hip hop culture. And if that wasn’t forward-thinking enough, he’s partnered with the trading card company Momento to create the world’s first interactive music trading cards. These cards will allow fans to experience music in a tangible way again, combining physical collectibles with digital innovation—an effort to bring physical media back into the conversation in a streaming-dominated era.
With his roots in the grind of clubs and radio, his proven ability to work with legends and rising stars alike, and his vision for pushing mixtape culture into the future, DJ CEO is positioning himself as more than just another DJ. He’s building a movement.
As Street Gods Vol. 2 approaches, one thing is certain: DJ CEO isn’t just making mixtapes—he’s making history.
Photo Credit: Rayla @nufocus.lv
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4eUUwBAIOhZmaL6MkOgHte?si=yFzU8WyVTt2dkumnvnH0vA