DJ Ro: ‘The Real Swag of New Orleans’

The 2011 Essence Festival begins July 1st and runs through July 3rd. During that time, thousands of vendors will hit the City of New Orleans in order to push their wares. Among those will be Verizon Wireless, one of the largest communications companies in the world. New Orleans’ own, DJ Ro Watts will be front and center for that event.

Ask anybody who’s anybody in the entertainment industry, and they can attest that DJ Ro is a legend from way back in the day. He is well known due to his lengthy career at New Orleans’ premier hip hop station, the world famous Q93, and he has had quite a career in his own right. He is also loved and respected for his charitable efforts in and around the City of New Orleans.

Entreprenuer, philanthropist, music lover, and world class DJ, DJ Ro has done it all. He has also helped to push New Orleans and Louisiana music to the forefront of the industry and is one of the hard working men in the business. Because of that, DJ Ro has earned the respect of artists and others in the industry, both young and old.

The Heat Magazine caught up with DJ Ro recently and here’s what he had to say:

THE HEAT MAGAZINE: You are one of the most well known, legendary DJs in the business. Tell us what drives you in that career?

DJ RO: I always had a passion for music. Growing up, music was a big part of my household. My father was a musician and my older siblings religiously played music everyday, getting ready for school and work. Following my family tree, we had a long list of musicians and music lovers. My passion for Djing started in the 9^th ward at the local skating rink, “Skateland”, on Soul Night Wednesday featuring: Slick Leo, Slick Mike, LBJ, and MC Action Jackson. Slick Leo was on the turntables mixing Teena Marie – “Square Biz”. He scratched and mixed the record from the beginning over and over. It was the most amazing sound I ever heard; from that moment, I knew I wanted to be a Disc Jockey. What drives me to continue to pursue the music business is entertaining people and watching them let their hair down and live life. I like being a part of people partying and being happy. I now realize that being a legendary DJ, I can use my influence in a positive way. It very rewarding!

THE HEAT MAGAZINE: You support New Orleans music to the fullest and you have single handedly had a tremendous impact on the advancement of it – what are your plans for the future to keep the N.O. brand out there?

DJ RO: My contributions to the New Orleans music scene is the role I played in the accomplishments of our Local turned National Artists. Shouts out to No Limit Records, TRU Records and Cash Money Records. My radio show entitled “Club 93”on WQUE FM, New Orleans’ Q93, gave me the freedom to premiere records from the aforementioned labels when no one else would listen. I have released music compilations entitled, “The Greatest Rap Hits From Down South” Vol. 1 & 2, “DJ Ro Presents The Dirty South Boyz” and also “The Swag Of  New Orleans” CD-DVD, celebrating my 20^th Year Anniversary. These projects display our seasoned talent as well as new talent and assist our artists in getting worldwide notoriety. I am currently working on adding volumes to “The Dirty South Boyz” and dropping “N.O. Street Heat” volumes. I also committed a page on www.djro.com to feature artists on the “HARDHITTERS” page. To summit music of all genres, MP3 to promotions@djro.com.

THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Tell us about your Don’t Even Trip Entertainment and the DET DREAM Foundation?

DJ RO: Don’t Even Trip Entertainment is my mobile DJ company. I provide a DJ service for all occasions. For inquiries, contact booking@djro.com.

The foundation manifested from my personal growth and realization to do my part and assist the efforts in making a difference. Our mission statement is to use our power of influence through entertainment to make a positive impact in communities. Our vision is to encourage others to stand for a cause. Annually, we give Back to School Events, Thanksgiving Turkey Give-away, Adopt Families for Christmas, and Easter Egg Hunt, as well as Breast Cancer Awareness, Feed the Homeless campaigns, Teacher Appreciation functions, and our efforts in Increasing the Peace. We actively host and partner with other foundations to embrace positive change and stay active in causes. For photos and more info, please visit www.donteventripdreamfoundation.org.

THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Tell us about your role in the upcoming Essence Festival.

DJ RO: This year for the 2011 Essence Music Festival, I am privileged to team up with Verizon Wireless in the Convention Center for their “A- List Experience”, where a new product will be launched. I’ll be in the Convention Center all three days enjoying the A-List Experience with appearances by Miguel, Boyz To Men, Charlie Wilson, and Pooch Hall from the TV show “The Game”, just to name a few. Come holla at cha boy, DJ Ro A.K.A Ro Watts, Q 93 Boyzz.

THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What can we expect from DJ Ro in the future?

DJ RO: I pride and challenge myself in growth. With God’s grace, I plan to continue my entrepreneur endeavors and expand my companies to greater heights and display to the world positive balance between man, music and our divine purpose to live a fulfilled life.

Check out the legendary DJ Ro at the links below and make sure if you attend the 2011 Essence Festival in New Orleans July 1^st thru 3^rd, stop by the Verizon Wireless to support his endeavors.

http://www.djro.com/

http://www.q93.com./pages/djroQ93.html

http://twitter.com/DjRoWatts504

http://www.facebook.com/djro504

http://www.facebook.com/rowatts

http://www.myspace.com/djro504

https://www.donteventripdreamfoundation.org