Episodes

  • Episode 381: DJ CUTSO "The DNA of the Bay — From Banning Hyphy to DJ Mustard Adopting the Sound"

    Episode 381: DJ CUTSO "The DNA of the Bay — From Banning Hyphy to DJ Mustard Adopting the Sound"
    May 6 2026
    Episode 381: DJ CUTSO "The DNA of the Bay — From Banning Hyphy to DJ Mustard Adopting the Sound" The legendary @Cutso joins the ROAD Podcast to break down the DNA of the Bay Area scene, the evolution of turntablism, and the reality of balancing a high-level DJ career with a corporate tech job. We dive into his viral "ROAD Talk" interview from NAMM 2026 (2:55), where he addresses the entitlement of new DJs and a social media culture that causes artists to focus on the wrong metrics. Cutso reflects on the "Relationship Economy" and why you cannot get booked without being in the room, while tracing his roots back to the 90s, and the "quick mixing" style that defined the Bay (8:23). He recounts the early influence of MC Hammer and the reverence for D-Styles mixtapes, comparing them to baseball trading cards for the Hip Hop community (13:55). The conversation shifts to the rise and fall of turntablism, exploring how the genre moved from MTV back to the underground before social media re-ignited interest in technical skills (19:42), alongside the divide between Jiggy and Backpack Hip Hop. We tackle the "Great Heist" of the Bay Area sound, debating how the "Mustard Era" effectively mainstreamed a signature NorCal aesthetic (40:35), and explore the @FrandalayBay connection that brought Hyphy to Vegas while it was still banned in Bay Area clubs (24:20). Cutso shares stories of being kicked out of booths for playing "Burn Rubber" (28:26) and provides a candid look at San Jose, from the "Crypto-House" scene to the economic crisis and tech layoffs impacting local venues. After discussing Hollywood's disconnect from LA culture, and Crooked’s infamous night at Club Wet (50:05), Cutso opens up about the "Dual Life" of juggling a corporate career with DJing (1:09:15), finding discipline through Kung Fu (1:19:01), and why open format DJs are built to survive shifting musical trends (1:48:24). Try Beatport for free: https://tinyurl.com/yc8da2pz Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 9 mins
  • Episode 380: DJ HABIBEATS: "The Palestinian Pioneer of Arabic Club Music"

    Episode 380: DJ HABIBEATS: "The Palestinian Pioneer of Arabic Club Music"
    Apr 22 2026
    Episode 380: DJ HABIBEATS: "The Palestinian Pioneer of Arabic Club Music" In this episode of the ROAD podcast, the crew welcomes @DJHabibeats for a deep dive into his meteoric rise and the evolution of the global Arab club scene. The conversation begins with a recap of his recent milestones (1:45) and a look at his expanding international tour schedule, including his highly anticipated set at the @Coachella @TheDoLab. Habibeats addresses his infectious energy behind the decks and explains how he utilizes his open format roots to represent Arabic house music by drawing from a rich, worldwide musical heritage (13:50). As the market for Arab music parties grows, he discusses the healthy competition in the scene, the logistical challenges of touring, and the importance of prioritizing health and team building while on the road (21:01). The dialogue shifts toward the business of music as Habibeats talks about signing with a new agency and his creative process for tracks like "Hayati", while Crooked draws parallels between the sub-genres of Latin and Arabic music (32:20). The DJs get technical about their preference for playing tracks at +4 pitch, leading to a discussion on how music acts as a bridge between cultures in a divided world (37:15). Habibeats shares his philosophy on dealing with openers and how the "third culture" experience shaped the entire crew's upbringing (48:24). Later, they tackle "front row red flags" and the need for audiences to be present rather than just filming (55:01), before exploring the broken state of music distribution and how Gen Z interacts with new releases (1:00:01). The episode concludes with a look at his favorite producers (1:18:01), the value of saying "no" to protect his brand, and a hilarious story about a super-fan in Delhi, ending on a reflective note about using his platform to showcase his unique perspective (1:36:22). Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 48 mins
  • Episode 379: RICHARD VISSION (Pt.2): "Epic B2Bs w/Bad Boy Bill + LA's Underground Rave Revival"

    Episode 379: RICHARD VISSION (Pt.2): "Epic B2Bs w/Bad Boy Bill + LA's Underground Rave Revival"
    Mar 25 2026
    Episode 379: RICHARD VISSION (Pt.2): "Epic B2Bs w/Bad Boy Bill + LA's Underground Rave Revival" The Road Podcast crew is in LA for the NAMM show and sits down with LA-born and raised house/dance music legend Richard Vission. Part 2 picks up with @RichardVission reflecting on LA nightlife in the 2000s, from 60,000-person events to a Grammy nomination (05:44) and the rave era of “Together as One” with @PasqualeRotella. He talks about landing multiple number one Billboard remixes for artists like @Madonna and the backlash that came with it. He shares the story behind “I Like That,” the pop EDM wave, and working with @Britneyspears and @iamwill, before explaining why he stepped away during the EDM over saturation era and how house found its way back to the forefront (17:01). Richard breaks down his current production approach (31:55) and his House Issues partnership with @DJBadBoyBill, including their highly praised b2b set and the work behind it (1:42:00). He also discusses vinyl nights in LA (45:01) and the rise of invite only underground after hours reshaping the city’s nightlife (52:01). The episode closes with reflections on Power Tools (1:00:02) and the ROAD 10, where Richard names LA his favorite city to DJ and recalls playing the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for 70,000 people as a career highlight (1:12:23). Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Episode 379: RICHARD VISSION (Pt.1): "The Architect of L.A. Dance Culture"

    Episode 379: RICHARD VISSION (Pt.1): "The Architect of L.A. Dance Culture"
    Mar 18 2026
    Episode 379: RICHARD VISSION (Pt.1): "The Architect of L.A. Dance Culture" The Road Podcast crew is in LA for the NAMM show and sits down with 1/2 of the duo #TheHouseConnection with @DJBadBoyBill, the Founder of the historic radio show @Powertools, LA-born and raised house/dance music legend, @RichardVission! The episode kicks off with Richard breaking down the early LA dance scene, starting with The Dome and The Arena (01:57), and how his first techno group, The Movement, led him to DJ Bad Boy Bill (04:10). He shares the backstory of Florentine Gardens and the infamous heist (07:12), then talks about his live mixes on Power 106, where late-night recordings turned into a movement (11:20). Richard explains how The Casa became the foundation of LA house, the moment freestyle faded while house took over the city (13:10), and the era of 15 DJs a night that helped shape LA’s fast-paced quick-mixing style (16:01). At just 16, Richard was already booking high school dances featuring The Cover Girls, World Class Wreckin' Cru, and Eazy‑E—events that generated serious money and earned the nickname “High School Coachella” (19:55). He also explains how he got the name Richard Vission (30:10) and reflects on early LA house records, including “House Music” by Eddie Amador, and how The Dome helped bring artists like Louie Vega, Armand Van Helden, and David Morales to Los Angeles. The episode later shifts to radio, where a single 30-minute mixtape landed him on Power 106 (46:10). Richard recalls how his mix aired by accident, the phones immediately blowing up, and the mantra he still lives by: “The harder you work, the luckier you get” (51:50). Lastly, He closes by discussing creative freedom in radio and nightlife (58:55), his mixtape era with Bad Boy Bill and House Connection, and his first New York show alongside Erick Morillo (1:07:30). Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Episode 378: DJ ZIMMIE "Why DJs Need the 'Level Up' Conference?"

    Episode 378: DJ ZIMMIE "Why DJs Need the 'Level Up' Conference?"
    Mar 4 2026
    Episode 378: DJ ZIMMIE "Why DJs Need the 'Level Up' Conference?" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew welcomes back returning guest @DJZimmie! The crew discusses how having a camera operator during Club DJ Sets has now become mandatory, how that increases costs, and how it affects how much money a DJ can make (01:55). Crooked shares how @DJNugget saved him one night in Pittsburgh by taking a punch for him (05:01). Zimmie breaks down what “Level Up For DJs” has to offer (13:40) and speaks on a moving moment involving @Shortkut at the #LevelUp4DJs 2025 conference (21:50). The crew also talks about how they manage their presence on social media as DJs (40:40), Crooked speaks on the beauty of collaboration, building community, and social media exhaustion (53:01). The fellas reflect on their experience at NAMM 2026, as well as new @AlphaThetaUSA products being released this year (1:04:33). Optic asks Zimmie when Serato users will be able to have their library on a USB stick (1:18:01). Finally, Zimmie explains how the YouTube series “Pioneers of Hip Hop DJs” came to fruition (1:31:01). Use Discount Code “ROADPODCAST” at checkout for up to $50 off your tickets to #LevelUp4DJs: https://levelup4djs.com/ Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 42 mins
  • Episode 377: THE STEREOTYPES "Crafting Life Saver Hits For Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber"

    Episode 377: THE STEREOTYPES "Crafting Life Saver Hits For Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber"
    Feb 18 2026
    Episode 377: THE STEREOTYPES "Crafting Life Saver Hits For Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber" This week on @RoadPodcast features an in-depth conversation with The @StereotypesTV (@JonYip + @JermBeats + @RayRomulus), charting their rise from interns and studio rats to Grammy-winning producers behind era-defining records. Crooked opens by giving them their flowers as true DJ “life savers,” praising their ability to balance vibe, storytelling, and music that unites people in the middle (02:33), before Ray reflects on growing up in New York, interning at Bad Boy and Def Jam, and learning the industry from the ground up (05:23). The trio breaks down how they first connected, their wide-ranging influences from the Bay to Snoop, Dre, Bone Thugs, Premier, and Teddy Riley, and the moments that permanently shifted their musical perspective, including hearing Busta Rhymes’ “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” (17:20). They tell the full story of “Damage” by Danity Kane, from ballad to hit, including seeing it on Making The Band and hearing it play at Guitar Center while they were still broke (35:26). The conversation moves into their relationship with Far East Movement and Bruno Mars, leading to a detailed breakdown of 24K Magic, Finesse, and the writing process behind records like “That’s What I Like” and “Chunky,” plus how adding Cardi B turned “Finesse” into a mega hit (44:30). They also touch on uncredited work, publishing lessons, career slowdowns, and behind-the-scenes realities, from studio grind to IRS stress and finally winning Grammys after years in the trenches (1:04:55). The episode closes with optimism about new music, future collaborations, and why 2026 is shaping up to be a special year (1:34:01). Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 51 mins
  • Episode 376: HICKIES + DRYHUMPS "The SoCal Party That Became a Filipino Movement" Feat. Esentrik

    Episode 376: HICKIES + DRYHUMPS "The SoCal Party That Became a Filipino Movement" Feat. Esentrik
    Feb 4 2026
    Episode 376: HICKIES + DRYHUMPS "The SoCal Party That Became a Filipino Movement" Feat. Esentrik This episode of Road Podcast features @JulzDelaPena and @Esentrik breaking down how real DJ careers evolve, from Julz getting into weddings and understanding presentation (02:05). The conversation touches on the reality of DJ promo culture, online bravado, and mentorship (07:03). The crew then speaks on DJ friendships, leaving retail to focus on parties, and changing economics (10:10). Julz revisits the roots of @HickiesAndDryhumps, why the party originally felt like a house party, and how moments like @MilesMedina and @JustBlaze pulling up after the Goldie Awards shaped its growth (25:07), before diving into Filipino classics and the quiet influence of Filipino DJs in nightlife (29:01). The crew then talks about San Diego’s venues, DJ unity, and why the city’s crowds feel more receptive and fun than Hollywood (47:59). Esentrik explains his showcase style of DJing and crowd reading (57:01). The episode closes with viral Seafood City DJ pop-ups (1:15:01), shrinking DJ rates, and promotion strategies (1:25:01). Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 46 mins
  • Episode 375: "How Vinyl DJs Are Redefining NYC Nightlife” Feat. DJ Snips, Karl Brisseaux, Svpply, and Moochie

    Episode 375: "How Vinyl DJs Are Redefining NYC Nightlife” Feat. DJ Snips, Karl Brisseaux, Svpply, and Moochie
    Jan 21 2026
    Episode 375: "How Vinyl DJs Are Redefining NYC Nightlife” Feat. DJ Snips, Karl Brisseaux, Svpply, and Moochie This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @Moochie, @DJSvpply, @Snipsmusic, and @KBrissy to talk about @RecordRoom and vinyl parties. The episode begins with Crooked reflecting on his first time attending Record Room and what immediately stood out (03:20), before the crew breaks down why vinyl sets earn more trust from audiences, from the visual curiosity of watching a DJ work to the difference between a DJ and a vinyl selector mindset (12:40). They explore why letting songs play longer works better in today’s shortened attention economy , the origins of Record Room and NYC’s Sway era, and the early days of Suede, including the choice to identify as vinyl DJs in 2025 (18:50). The conversation dives into why R&B sounds so good on vinyl, the importance of bridges, nuance, and letting records breathe, even at prime time (32:30). From there, the crew talks about party arcs, creative limitations, building crowds that trust DJs enough to book weeks ahead, and competing with couches instead of clubs (53:40). The episode closes with reflections on NYC nightlife legacy (1:03:10), curating an authentic New York experience (1:13:01), the cost of vinyl (1:21:05), rocking parties without obvious hits, and the personal relationships DJs have with their records (2:02:01). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!! Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 7 mins