By: CeCe Marie
Jukie Tha-KidD knows how to make an introduction. While I was getting one of my tattoos, he slid into the booth and made his pitch. He introduced himself as Jukie Tha-KidD, the official DJ for the Chicago Bulls. He gave me his Instagram profile information and told me to make sure to come out for some of his gigs. Smooth, real smooth. At the time, I was in pain from the needle entering in and out of my arm so I laughed, smiled and tried to make small talk between my clenched teeth.
Two months later I was planning my launch party for Coffee, Tea or Tequila and I needed a DJ. The first person who came to my mind was Jukie Tha-KidD. He agreed to do my event and he was the perfect person to add into the mix. Everyone was on the dance floor the entire night, especially when he started to spin some house music. I was so lit, I ended up doing the cry baby on the dance floor. It was definitely a night to remember! And since then, Jukie Tha-KidD has been the official DJ for all of our Coffee, Tea or Tequila events. He is a true hustler who knows how to brand and market himself, so it only makes sense that he is the first feature for our new segment: #HeHustleMonday and #MakeMoneyMonday.
At the age of 13 Jukie-Tha-KidD started to invest in DJ equipment and by the age of 18 he began to put his passion together with the marketing and branding components of the industry. Through his hard work and dedication, Jukie Tha-KidD has established partnerships with some of Chicago’s well known promoters and club owners, worked internationally spinning from NYC to LA, and is a featured DJ for the Chicago Bulls. Julie Tha-KidD knows how to set a vibe and how to please a crowd with his charm and charisma.
Check out my Q&A with Jukie Tha-KidD spilling the tea on his brand and what events he has lined up for this summer. Be sure to check him out and get in tune with his hustle.
1.How did you become Jukie Tha-Kid?
Well I’ve always been me, I just changed my name from Jukeman to Jukie Tha-KidD in 7th grade and it just stuck with me through High School. The name was given to me from a childhood friend and I honestly thought it was super catchy and surprisingly nobody took it as a joke, so it just became the neighborhood household name for me.
2. What has been your favorite event that you have booked thus far?
My favorite event that I get booked for every year would have to be the Memorial Day hangover beach party. It’s such a good vibe being surrounded by so much love at the lake, it’s like the energy just hits you as soon as you walk across the bridge to the lake. Chicago really comes out and it’s usually really peaceful, but lit at the same time.
3.How did you get the opportunity to DJ for the Chicago Bulls?
I got the opportunity to DJ for the Chicago Bulls by a mentor of mine by the name of Roe Melloe. At the time Roe was a Hype man/Incredibull and he had a few inside connections. so for a whole year (2014) I sent in mixes every month until the entertainment manager decided to come out to one of my sets while I was DJing at Castle on Dearborn. From there I guess my energy was really good and by November 2014 I had been signed to Bulls Entertainment and I’ve been rocking the games and concourse every since.
4. How would you describe your brand and what do you want people to know about who you are as a DJ?
My brand is broken into two categories, Music & Fitness. Djing is my first love, my second is fitness and brand modeling. It’s something that I’ve built over the past few years and it is still in the building process, but I must say the impact is “Heavy, real Heavy” in my Gucci Mane voice.
5. What’s next for Jukie Tha-Kid? What is your summer line-up looking like?
My Summer line-up is going to be LIT as usual. I have teamed up with new partners, promoters, event curators as well as I’m hosting my own events. A big BlockParty announcement is coming soon so be on the look out!
6. What are some of your favorite artists and tracks that you’ve been spinning lately?
My favorite Artist always has been GUCCI MANE, but nevertheless my top tracks I’m spinning at the moment would have to be:
Boo’d up- Ella Mai
Yes Indeed-Lil Baby feat Drake
I’m Upset-Drake
Miami- Valee (I really rock with Valee)
Womp Womp- Jeremih feat Valee
Ice Tray- Migos
Rolls Royce- Moneybagg Yo
Mo Mamba-Sheck Wes
Bless yo trap-Smokepurp
Chanel-Rae Sremmurd
7. Drake or Kanye?
Drake all Day
8. Cardi B or Nicki Minaj?
I love Cardi B. I love the fact that she has such a big influence on damn near everybody male and female. She started from the bottom, you can see all of that in her life story from posts and interviews and she’s super genuine. Not saying that Nicki isn’t, but Cardi is like the new It factor, and she got a big natural booty. “I like dat”
9. Are you coffee, tea or tequila? Why?
I’m definitely a tequila person, simply because it puts me in a good mood. I’m honestly about to start attending tequila tastings because it’s one of those drinks I can’t really explain it, ”But It’s Fye”!
Social Media:
Instagram: @JukieMadeThisTrak
Facebook: @JukieMadeThisTrak
Twiter: @JukieThaKidD
Mixcloud: @JukieThaKidD
Website: JukieOfficial