Billboard Lounge: DJ Ace Interview

Billboard Lounge - December 14 2016

Q: What do you see for yourself down the road with both your music and your career?

A: Well, I’ll tell you I’m very lucky because I’m at the end of my police career, and I’m just starting my DJ career, so I’d would just like to take it further. Maybe do some clubs, and maybe even be a tour DJ eventually.

Q: What’s your most memorable experience as a DJ?

A: DJ-ing for Kangol Kid, who is a member of the legendary group U.T.F.O. at B.B. King’s. That was an unforgettable experience.

Q: At what moment did you know that you wanted to be a DJ?

A: Back in 1984, two events: I saw the movie Beat Street, had a lot of DJ-ing going on in there, and also the record “Roxanne, Roxanne” by the DJ Mix Master Ice, he’s an incredible DJ, way ahead of his time, and I knew once I heard that, I wanted to be a DJ. I wanted to do what he did.

Q: What artists have inspired your work?

A: DJ Scratch, Mix Master Ice, Jazzy Jeff, Cash Money, Richie Rich, and a whole host of other DJs, too many to mention right now.

Q: What is your go-to food in the arena?

A: I like the sliders, the sliders are pretty good.

Q: What does it mean for you to be DJ-ing where you usually work behind the scenes?

A: It’s amazing because normally I get a lot of love from the employees when I’m working, but now I’m getting even more love being a DJ because not many people know that I DJ, so now they now they can connect with me being human, because most people think these offices are robots, but now they see this other side of me, they know I’m human.

Q: Who has been the greatest supporter of your career?

A: My wife, definitely my wife.

Q: And she’s here with you tonight, right?

A: Yes, correct.

Q: Working at Barclays Center, what is the most inspiring performance you’ve seen here?

A: Pink was incredible. She gave a hundred percent, first of all, the wire act was incredible and the guests that were way up in the high seats got a chance to see her face-to-face, so I thought it was very incredible.

Q: What is your favorite place in Brooklyn to go for peace of mind and inspiration?

A: I can’t say necessarily inspiration, but I love going to Coney Island, little mixture of fun and inspiration.

Q: How do you deal with negativity and how do you motivate yourself to keep pursuing your dream?

A: I block negativity out; I don’t even harp on it. Just keep doing what I have to do, and strive to be the best I can be.

Q: What advice would you give to a young artist like yourself pursuing your dreams?

A: Never give up, just continue. And also, make friends. It’s ok to be friendly with people, and you should just be that way in general. It’s not necessary that you want anything from anybody, or you never know when that one person or friend can be the right person that can give you the right connection.