DECLARATION of THE DJ

ART OF BREAKIN’ RECORDS IS FAR FROM DEAD

In an era flooded by viral moments and algorithmic trends, many have rushed to declare the DJ a relic of the past—an outdated gatekeeper in a world of streaming numbers and social media virality. But as a professional DJ who’s lived, breathed, and moved crowds through music, I stand firm: the art of breaking records is not dead—and it never will be.

To break a record isn’t just about spinning a hot new track—it’s about believing in the music before the masses catch on. It’s repetition with purpose. It’s taking that chance on a song, knowing full well the room might not respond the way you want—yet playing it anyway until they do. Contrary to what critics like Music Manager Rainwater might believe, DJs are still essential—especially when it comes to making listeners believe in something new.

The DJ isn’t just a middleman. We’re tastemakers, cultural amplifiers, and curators of the crowd’s next obsession.

Yes, streaming platforms and TikTok have shifted the game. The pandemic even forced DJs into digital corners—virtual dancefloors where D-Nice’s Club Quarantine reminded the world of the DJ’s reach and relevance. But let’s not confuse evolution with extinction. DJs didn’t fade—we adapted. And through every club closure, livestream set, and creative pivot, we held on to the essence of our craft: breaking records and moving people.

Legends before us set the blueprint. DJ Kool Herc gave birth to hip-hop by isolating breakbeats. Dr. Dre broke gangster rap norms spinning Ice Cube’s raw narratives in polished R&B lounges. DJ Clue changed the game with street-level exclusives that turned mixtapes into must-haves.

Today’s DJs still carry that torch. When Fly Guy DC and Ferrari Simmons looped Lil Baby’s “My Dawg” for 30 minutes straight on Streetz 94.5, they risked it all. They were suspended—but also rewarded. That record became a national hit. Their gamble was proof: when DJs believe, listeners follow.

Atlanta Radio Host Fly Guy DC and Ferrari Simmons

We’re not just pressing play—we’re pushing culture forward.

Uploading a track to YouTube or tagging a content creator might land a viral moment. But without the consistent belief and reinforcement that a DJ brings—whether through clubs, radio, or digital sets—most songs won’t stand the test of time. It’s the DJ’s energy, timing, and taste that create the magic of music discovery. We take the heat when a crowd doesn’t move, and we take the credit when they do.

DJ Jazzy Jeff and DJ Scratch Bastard on YouTube Live

Social media doesn’t build legacies—DJs do. The records we break are remembered not just because they became hits, but because someone believed in them before they were cool.

So let it be known: The DJ’s job is far from over. The art of breaking records will never die—not as long as there are ears to move and hearts to shift. We are still the heartbeat of the culture. And while trends may change, the DJ remains timeless.

Written By : DJ Bobby Eupho

Dallas, Texas

BCE Label

theofficialeupho.bcethelabel@gmail.com