New Orleans is a city filled to capacity with talent as far as the entertainment industry goes. Countless DJs frequent the city’s nightclubs and other venues, in order to provide entertainment to hundreds of thousands of patrons, especially around popular events such as Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Festival, and Bayou Classic. Arguably New Orleans’ hottest club DJ, DJ Poppa keeps the dance floor filled to capacity with partygoers. For this, DJ Poppa earns the title of The Heat’s DJ of the Month.
Recently nominated by the NOLA Underground Hip Hop Awards committee for the title of “Hottest Club DJ”, DJ Poppa has certainly earned that nomination.
He performs countless shows in New Orleans and beyond, including his extremely popular Sunday night show with Comedian/Rapper Jack Spratt at one of New Orleans‘ hottest venues, the House of Blues in the heart of the French Quarter.
We caught up with DJ Poppa during one of his few downtimes and here’s what he had to say:
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Tell us about yourself.
DJ POPPA: I was born in New Orleans as Charles Taylor, also known as DJ Poppa. I graduated from Fredrick Douglas High School. I’m a businessman. I love music and can honestly say I’m a true hustler. I work hard day and night and stay on my grind.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: How long have you been a DJ?
DJ POPPA: I’ve been a DJ for about 14 years. I started out during my 10th grade year of high school at a night club called the Corner Pocket located Uptown on Louisiana Avenue.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What DJ coalitions are you affiliated with?
DJ POPPA: The Core DJ’s, the World’s Largest DJ Organization and the Go DJ’s Louisiana Music Group.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: How is working with Jack Spratt? Tell us about that.
DJ POPPA: Never a dull moment. When I first met Jack, he was just starting his career as a comedian. I watched him develop into one of the hottest entertainers in the city.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What are some of your favorite memories from working as a DJ?
DJ POPPA: Connecting with people through my music, coming in contact with so many different people, learning different styles of music, selling out the House of Blues, and going from playing in back yard parties and bars, to packing out major venues.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Tell us about your shows and where all you DJ.
DJ POPPA: I’ve had appearances at Jazz Fest, Voodoo Fest, and I have my own Sunday nights at the House of Blues, “Poppas Party House.” I also have weekly appearances at multiple clubs throughout New Orleans, which include Club Encore, Ceasar’s Place, Vaso, and The Sports Vue.
EDITOR’S NOTE: DJ Poppa is one of The Heat’s favorite DJs. We love interacting with him and highly recommend that you attend one of his shows when you are in New Orleans.
