Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobby Stephens.
Hi Bobby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I first had an interest in DJing when I was 12 and first saw the movie Juice. When I got to college fall of 2001, I started working for WGHR which was the school radio station. That gave me unlimited access to the studio and DJ equipment. It wasn’t long that me and my roommate started checking out the equipment and DJing college parties. We also hosted a radio show known as “The Hazard Zone”. I left the school in early 2004 and started DJing anywhere I could from strip clubs to school dances. In 2005 I released two mixtapes Slizzard and Slurred 1 and 2. They were my rendition on the “chopped and screwed” sound originated by Houston legend, the late DJ Screw. In 2016, I was introduced to Saga Boss by a mutual friend, and I was reintroduced to radio becoming part of the multi award-winning DTTO Show. From 2016-2018 we collected 4 ATL Hottest awards. In 2019 and 2020, I was crowned ATL Hottest DJ. In March 2021, I started DOPE Enterprise with comprised of a weekly podcast as well as DJ and hosting services and merchandise.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been mostly rocky. Being a DJ in Atlanta is very competitive and even more cutthroat. You have issues getting paid by the promotors because the venue didn’t do the numbers they expected has been the biggest obstacle. I went around that by simply staying away from clubs and requiring deposits upfront, otherwise, I don’t even setup until the balance is cleared. While we’re on the subject of money, getting people to pay what you are worth. There is a lot that goes into being a DJ besides just playing music. There is days to weeks worth of prep from getting music, constant practice to equipment maintenance. So a promotor trying to pay you much less than your price is unacceptable. Problem comes in when there are DJ’s who are more than willing to work for a low-ball figure just for the sake of which in turn lowers the market value rate. It gets real out here, lol.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am DJ Agony, two-time award-winning DJ, talk show host and spoken word artist. What I am most proud of is being a two-time award-winning DJ. What I specialize in, whether it be spoken word or DJing, is to be remembered. I want people leaving the venue talking about how I made their night on the ride home. What sets me apart particularly with spoken word is how I scheme certain subjects or themes to tell a story.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
So I don’t talk much if at all while I DJ. Reason being is I hate to hear the sound of my voice amplified. It weirds me out, lol.
I’m also one of the few if only DJs that still Does Not use a laptop to DJ.
Contact Info:
- Email: djagony21@hotmail.com
- Instagram: @dope.enterprise
- Facebook: @dope enterprise
- Youtube: dope enterprise
