I think this here is a proud moment for New Orleans: “The Greatest DJ in the Woooorld,” according to Lil Wayne, will be headlining the mainstage at this year’s Essence Fest! For the past forever, DJ Steve Nice has been Essence’s resident DJ, holding it down on the mainstage. This year, NOLA’s own will be on the 1s and 2s, so you know it’s going down.
For the past couple of years, Steve Nice has tried to bring a little NOLA flavor into his mixes by spinning local music and such, but there was always something missing. I can’t wait to experience Raj bringing that real NOLA B E A T to the Essence stage. And with New Orleans’ own No Limit Soldiers performing Sunday night, it’s going to be a historical moment for the city.
Check out the press release:
DJ Raj Smoove has been selected to perform as the main stage DJ over the 3-night 2017 Essence Festival at the New Orleans Superdome. A powerhouse turntablist, Raj Smoove served as the first in-house producer for Lil’ Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment, the SQAD Up underground mix tape series and crafted several tracks for Wayne’s platinum album, The Carter. Raj was the headlining DJ for the national Cash Money/Ruff Ryder Tour and teamed up with Lil Wayne on two epic projects: Lilweezyana and The Carter Files.
Steeped in Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, Funk and the sounds of New Orleans, DJ Raj’ musical spectrum will have the @essencefest attendees grooving throughout the superdome. As the #GreatestDJInTheWorld, Raj Smoove will also headline New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s official Essence Festival Welcoming party on June 30th (Invite-Only) . #DJRajSmooveEssence
A New Orleans native, Raj has a weekly residence at House of Blues New Orleans. As the premiere DJ in the South, Raj has rocked such high-profile events and festivals as the NBA All-Star Weekend, The National Black Journalists Association Convention, the New Orleans Pelicans basketball games, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Essence Music Festival’s New and Next Concert, and Harrah’s Casino Masquerade club, to name a few. He was also a featured artist in the Essence Music Festival Super Lounges in 2002, 2003 and 2006.
His numerous television appearances include spinning on BET’s Rap City: Tha Bassment and 106 & Park Top 10 Count Down. Raj, the son of famed Jazz composer Roger Dickerson began spinning at the young age of 13. While studying at Dillard University, Raj garnered his first club residency at the famed Soul to Soul night at House of Blues, contributing to the rise of the New Orleans “Dirty South” sound of the 90’s that spread across the globe.
Congrats to you, Roger! <3