Rising Stars: Meet Destiny Hurt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Hurt.

Destiny, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
How I got started as a Dj. My journey to becoming a DJ started in Hampton, Virginia. At the time, I was 17 years old. It all started when I asked my brother, “what should I do to make money while in college?” He gave me a list of ideas, but becoming a DJ stood out the most. After that conversation, I began asking my DJ friends from college questions about their experience as a DJ and the equipment needed to succeed. I didn’t need to buy much because my father had two speakers for his backyard bar-b-ques. So, I started doing events with the Numark Party Mix (which is very small). My first event was my cousin’s pool party, and I worked my way up from there. Eventually, I started throwing my own events to bring notice to my brand around Radford University and Virginia Tech. My first event sold out instantly, giving me the motivation to keep going. 

Being from a small-town, I wanted more so I moved to Atlanta to continue my education at Georgia State University while pursuing my ambitions as a DJ. While continuing my education, I DJ’d for Status Jewelry, Asian Doll, Zaris Restaurant & Lounge, Paradise Lounge, Sidebar Lounge, just to name a few. I recently DJ’d at Hampton Roads Custom, Laced Function, and Juicy King Crab in Hampton, Virginia. I volunteered to DJ at the Boys and Girls Club on Shell Road (Hampton VA) because my parents taught me to always give back to my city and communities. I believe my father’s impact in the Air Force has affected my generosity, which led to my brand, Dj DHurt Ent. In addition, I partnered with the American Red Cross to raise funds for the youth in Atlanta who suffer from traumatic experiences from natural disasters and more.

How I got started as a Producer. I started to take producing more seriously after a close friend passed and I moved to Atlanta. He was a great producer and taught me a lot. I spent lonely nights crying to him in his garage as he made beats and begged me to become a producer. He felt like it would be what my career needed but I was more focused on becoming the best DJ I could be first. Well, fast forward to 2022, I have two placements, one with an artist signed to Pusha T (who is from VA) and another one signed to Epic records. Being one of the best producers and DJs are now my main two goals while inspiring my city, community, kids, and women.

Where I am today. I currently DJ for some of the best clubs in Atlanta and make beats for several celebrities. I am still in the process of building my catalog. I work hard every day to fulfill my dreams. My birthday is in September, and I am currently booked in 3 different states this month. I’m also looking for more residential DJ spots in Atlanta. Every day I make sure I create a space for ideas for my next event so that the magical vibes of DJ DHurt can continue.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a young female in the entertainment industry always comes with challenges. Some examples are, trying to park for a gig at a club or restaurant. Most people would think DJs have the ability to just park and go right in however, in most cases, we too are stopped by the valet and challenged. Also as a young female DJ, we often have to prove ourselves and our worth to everyone. In most cases we have to showcase most of our ground work and outwork our older colleagues to succeed. I look at it in this manner, these challenges are only there to build character and teach DJs that if this is what you desire to do…stick with it. Thus, most DJs are never taught a right or wrong way to being successful in this game. That is why I continue to keep God first, listen to other successful DJs, and stay focus on my end goal.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Although I am mostly known as a DJ to many people. I am actually a computer nerd. I love technology and would like to expand the knowledge I have in technology. I specialize in being a bright personality that brings vibes and sounds to any occasion. I am also known to specialize in bringing my own ideas to life, when I want to do an event, I am very strategic (I guess that comes from having an Air Force father). I make sure I do all my models or bottle girl’s makeup, outfits, and hair. I am very hands-on during my events. I also specialize in making good beats very quickly depending on the equipment I am using. 

Therefore, I believe being a female DJ and producer is what sets me apart from my peers in the music entertainment industry. Aside from being a young female in the game, my drive to get better and reach the top is also what sets me apart from others. Further, I am mostly proud of how far I have come. I often think back to teachers and childhood friends telling me what they think I would do or become. It was never a bad occupation but it was never to become a DJ. I never thought I could start a hobby and fall in love with it. I am from a small town in Virginia. I went to the same school as Allen Iverson but you never hear of very many successful females from my area, only a few. I am proud to make it this far in the music industry. Although I know I have a long way to go, I am happy to be surrounded by important and talented people who I can learn from. More importantly, I am most proud to be in the city of Atlanta, Georgia where black people can flourish. I remember countless days riding the Georgia State University bus thinking about how successful I wanted to be in Atlanta. Those days started coming because I began to DJ all around my school, and downtown Atlanta. It’s like my life is slowly falling into place and for that I thank God and a supportive family.

Pricing:

• 100/hr – DJ
• Contact Me – Producer
• $40 – T Shirts
• $250 – Dj Classes

Contact Info:

• Website: Prodbydjdhurt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prodbydjdhurt/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ62H4VT2nU

Image Credits
Shot by: @bleuphotoog Hair by: @donndodda