Enrique Rodriguez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Enrique, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
In my world as a DJ, each of those qualities, intelligence, energy, and integrity shows up in different ways. But if I had to choose, I’d say integrity is the foundation. Without it, intelligence becomes manipulation, and energy becomes chaos.
Integrity is what keeps me grounded when the lights are off and no one’s watching. It’s the reason I don’t just play what’s trending, I play what resonates. It’s how I respect the culture, the craft, and the people on the floor.
Intelligence shapes how I read the room, how I blend sounds, how I evolve with the music. Energy is how I transmit emotion, how I build moments that people never forget. But integrity? That’s how I make sure every set means something.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m DJ 6lactino, born and raised in the Latin scene but always representing the Afro-Latino side of it. I spin mostly Latin urban music. Reggaetón and dembow, but for me, it’s deeper than just throwing a party. My brand is all about pushing awareness that we Black Latinos exist, that we’ve always been part of the culture, even if we’ve been overlooked.
Through my sets, my presence, and the spaces I help create, I’m working to shift that narrative, both here in Atlanta and wherever the music takes me. I want people to feel the rhythm, sure, but I also want them to see us, hear us, and respect the layers we bring to Latinidad.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
That would be my friend Ramon. Most people knew him as Zon De Leon. He was a DJ, promoter, MC, and all-around force in the scene. I looked up to him not just for his talent, but for his spirit. He saw something in me before I had the confidence to see it in myself.
When I was just starting out, I got a lot of side-eyes and was constantly boxed in as the ‘urban’ DJ. I struggled to get booked. People didn’t know where to place me, and many didn’t want to be associated with my brand. But Zon pulled me aside one day and told me, in his own way, to forget the judgment, step up, and let the music speak. To stop waiting for approval and start owning the room. He reminded me that I wasn’t just a DJ. I was a reflection of something bigger.
That moment changed everything. It’s because of him I keep pushing for visibility, for representation, and for every Afro-Latino kid wondering if there’s a place for them in this world. I carry his legacy every time I step behind the decks.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self: You’re not too much, you’re exactly what they need. One day, the things that make you feel out of place, being Black, being Latino, being different will become your power. Keep spinning, even when they don’t get it yet. You’re not just playing music. You’re building a lane, telling a story, and making space for others like you to be seen.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to pushing visibility and respect for Afro-Latinos in the music industry and beyond. It’s not a trend or a moment for me it’s a lifelong mission. I want to break the stigma, challenge the stereotypes, and build platforms that reflect the full range of our identity. Whether it’s through my DJ sets, the events I curate, or just how I show up in every space, I’m in this to make sure the next generation sees themselves fully, without having to shrink or explain who they are. No matter how long it takes, I’m not letting up.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m mixing and I look out to see people smiling, dancing, just fully present. In that moment, the world’s noise fades for them and for me. It’s like everything heavy gets put on pause, and we’re all just existing in rhythm. That kind of joy, that release. It’s why I do what I do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/6lactino
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@6lactino593
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/E0NKG2CTpjkkLsRoNl
Image Credits
Eddie also known as Haptix.atl on instagram
