“From Miss Gucci to Mizz MeMe to the infamous FoxXxy!”

THE LOVE FOR THE MUSIC STARTED AT 13 IN 8TH GRADE. LISTENING TO ANYTHING SHE COULD GET HER HANDS ON AND THEN GOING TO THE PARTIES @ 14, SNEAKING IN THE POWER PLANT (HOT CLUB IN CHICAGO EARLY 80’S) TO EXPERIENCE (NOT HEAR) FRANKIE KNUCKLES PLAY SHE WAS TOTALLY HOOKED.

IN 1986 SHE WAS TAUGHT AND BROUGHT UNDER THE WINGS OF JOHN HUNT & STEVE POINDEXTER WHICH TOGETHER WERE “GUCCI PROMOTIONS”. “MS GUCCI” BECAME THE HOSTESS FOR ONE OF THE TOP YOUNG ADULT PROMOTIONS IN THE CITY BETWEEN THE YEARS OF 1986-1991. BEST KNOWN FOR PARTIES @ HIGH SCHOOLS SUCH AS HALES & LEO AND ON TO THE CONGRESS HOTEL, POWERHOUSE, AND OF COURSE THE RACKETBALL CLUB, GUCCI PROMOTIONS WERE KNOWN FOR HAVING THE HOTTEST YOUNG DJ LINE UP AND KEEPING THE HOUSE PACKED.

DJ’S THAT STARTED WITH GUCCI PROMOTIONS WERE ANDRE HATCHETT, PHARRIS THOMAS, GENE HUNT AND TERRY HUNTER, TALENTED YOUNG MEN THAT GREW TO BE NOT JUST DJ’S, BUT PRODUCERS & RECORDING ARTIST AS WELL. GUCCI PROMOTIONS LIVED ON THROUGH HER, MIZZ MEME MANAGEMENT & PROMOTIONS. HOSTING PARTIES AS WELL AS PROMOTIONS AND BOOKING FROM 2007 TO PRESENT, SHE IS ALWAYS INTERESTED IN DOING DIFFERENT THINGS AND HAVING SUCCESSFUL EVENTS.

IN 2009, SHE WAS FAVORED TO DO AN INTERNET RADIO SHOW WITH CHICAGO HOUSE RADIO/LLOYD DEV “THE DEEP DIS” RETRO HOUSE SHOW WHERE SHE CO-HOSTED WITH TWO WONDERFUL PEOPLE (MIKE HOTT/NOSHALUV) WHERE THEY TALKED ABOUT DJ’S, PARTIES, MUSIC AND CURRENT EVENTS.

IN JANUARY 2010, JUS MUZIK (THE SHOW) WAS BORN ON A PUBLIC SITE (STICKAM.COM). A SPIN-OFF FROM BEING ON “THE DEEP DIS”/CHICAGO HOUSE RADIO IT CONTINUED WITH STILL THE SAME SUBJECTS; INTRODUCING TALENT, MUSIC EDUCATION, PROMOTIONS, ETC.

BEING A TALK SHOW HOST AND HAVING SOME OF CHICAGO FINEST DJ’S AS GUEST GREW AND JUS MUZIK THE SHOW BECAME THE #1 INTERNET RADIO SHOW IN CHICAGO WITH OVER 100,000 VIEWERS IN 6 MONTHS (FROM 2010-2014).
MOTHERS DAY 2010 JUS MUZIK (THE SHOW) WITH CYBERJAMZ .COM (2ND SHOW) WAS ADDED WHERE “FoxXxy” WAS BORN. JUS MUZIK- CYBERJAMZ , SHOWCASED HER KNOWLEDGE OF MUSIC AS WELL AS EDUCATING HER IN HER ABILITY TO PLAY.

CURRENTLY FOXXXY NOW HAS GROWN HER SHOW “JUS MUZIK”, INTO “JUS MUZIK RADIO”(2015) WHERE SHE STARTED TO SHOWCASE DIFFERENT DJS EVERY WEEK DOING LIVE SHOWS (AUDIO, VIDEO.) SHE TOOK A LITTLE HIATUS UNTIL 2020 WHERE JUS MUZIK RADIO (WWW.JUSMUZIKRADIO.COM) WAS LAUNCHED WITH A WEBSITE.

SHE IS THE ONLY AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN OWNING AN INTERNET RADIO STATION! IT IS BUDDING INTO SOMETHING GREAT. JUS MUZIK RADIO WILL SHOWCASE DJ’S AND MUSIC FROM AROUND THE WORLD LIVE, GIVING ARTIST A PLATFORM TO SHOW THE WORLD THEIR MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE, AS WELL AS THEIR CREATIVITY, ARTISTRY AND EXPERIENCE.

SHE CONTINUES TO PLAY MUSIC LOCALLY IN CHICAGO, STILL DOING HER INTERNET RADIO SHOW AND STILL TEACHING AND MENTORING.

SO STAY TUNED…

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you first get that spark in you to want to learn to DJ?

Meme Hughes: I first got that spark back in 2008. I was meeting so many people at the time. I was just hosting, throwing and promoting parties and I tried it a couple of times and was discouraged. Years later, it fell on me as I was doing my show because some of my guest DJs did not want to play my intermission music, so I was forced to play my own to keep the show in its format. Once I started doing a show on CYBERJAMZ in May 2010, I pretty much started then.

GO BANG! Magazine: What was it about the House scene that made you want to be a part of it as a young teenager?

Meme Hughes: It was the music and the people. To this day, throwing events and being a part of other events, I love to see people dance and have a good time.

GO BANG! Magazine: You and I grew up in the same South Shore neighborhood in Chicago and know many of the same people. DJ Steve Poindexter and John Hunt formed Gucci Promotions and you were a part of it, as Ms. Gucci. This was your foundation and beginning in the Entertainment industry. How did this time in your life influence the woman that you are today?

Meme Hughes: It brought me joy. I learned so much from them and I took that knowledge with my own twist and made it something different and great from a woman’s point of view. Watching them, it just seemed like things flowed because even though they had people they looked up to and learned from, most things for them came naturally from using their own ideas and moving in their own way and I am like that. I have taught myself most things from doing research and reading to experiencing blessed ideas. I say blessed ideas because they come out of nowhere and I just do it.

GO BANG! Magazine: Gucci Promotions was the foundation for several people, who later became great DJs of today. Is there anything that you would like to say to Steve Poindexter and John Hunt that you can share here with our readers?

Meme Hughes: I would like to say thank you and I love you guys forever! You were a part of my youth and didn’t realize how much you taught me and raised me to be the lady that I am today.

Thank you John Hunt!
Thank you Steve Poindexter!

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve had the opportunity to share the turntable stage with several prominent DJs over the years. Is there any DJ or DJs in particular that you want to DJ with or any events/venues that you’d love to spin at?

Meme Hughes:OMG YES! Everybody knows how much I Love Louie Vega! I would love to open up for him and it doesn’t matter where it is. To open up for him would be epically incredible! Is that even a word? LOL

I have played locally in many places from north to south of Chicago, places that I’d never imagined that I would play at. It’s been a super incredible ride!

GO BANG! Magazine: Who are some of the DJs that you admire or who inspire you, past and/or present?

Meme Hughes:I was crazy about Frankie Knuckles. He did parties for Gucci Promotions but I first heard him when I was 14 at the Power Plant. I got in twice, but the third time they got me at the door. I was not old enough to get in at that time, but I did get that club experience at an early age. I like Ron Hardy too. His energy was atomic! I was around Pharris Thomas a lot. He was amazing. Watching Terry Hunter and Gene Hunt grow… these were the young men that I used to watch when I was younger, even though I am older than them. The Fantastic Four (Celeste Alexander, Khrisse Henderson, Kenya Lenoir) SheJays back then, let young women know that they too can play music too, just as well as the fellas.

I taught myself how to play and I am still learning. The learning never stops with all the different equipment that is used these days. It’s never ending education.

GO BANG! Magazine: Your talents range further than just being a DJ. You are also an entrepreneur, owning Mizz MeMe Management & Promotions. Please share with our readers more information about your business.

Meme Hughes: Mizz MeMe Management & Promotions was formed in 2007. I was hired to promote their events. I would go “old school” going to different parties and promote with flyers and small banners as well as host them. As time went on, I got into booking different talent for parties. This only lasted a few years, because I got my hands into other things.

GO BANG! Magazine: Then there’s even more talent flowing out of you, being an internet radio host. Tell us more about “The Deep Dis”, “Jus Muzik” and “Cyberjamz.com.”

Meme Hughes:I first started being a radio host with Chicago House Radio (Lloyd Dev) which was an “up and coming” radio station at the time (2009). This started me on my journey to radio. I always knew I was different and I do love radio. I was asked to do a show “The Deep Dis” with two other co-hosts, Noshaluv and Mike Hott. Every Tuesday night at 8pm, we would discuss and debate the music scene here in Chicago, along with a guest DJ playing music after our discussions. It was great and we did that for about a year. I woke up one day and said, “I want to do my own show.” I had so many ideas and I just put them into fruition.

January 18, 2010, Jus Muzik (The Show), was born. I would invite DJs from all over the city to interview and play a set. At the time, I was using a free LIVE streaming site called Stickam.com that became very popular at that time for many. I taught myself the ins and outs of audio/video. Jus Muzik W/MizzMeMe was the #1 Internet Radio Show for three years, reaching over 100,000 viewers in its first six months of airing.

As I was growing, I didn’t realize the growth. I was just enjoying doing it, as well as the music education that I was presenting with all genres of dance music. People from all over the world were tuning in faithfully every Monday night at 8pm. I had people telling me that I was part of their Monday night football regimen, with Mizz MeMe on one screen and football on the other.

Sammy Rock owner and founder of CYBERJAMZ was one of my many viewers who loved the show, reached out to me and asked me to bring Jus Muzik to CYBERJAMZ. I was so honored because at that time Sammy Rock and CYBERJAMZ was the hottest station moving with all dance music broadcasters. Everybody wanted to do CYBERJAMZ, so for me to get a prime-time slot on his station was everything. The way my show was formatted and the way the broadcasters were on CYBERJAMZ, I was a little timid about bringing my format to his station, so I switched it up and just played a 2 hour set. At that time my mixing was not the greatest but my programming made up for it. He pretty much let me be me and I taught myself to mix just by doing his show.

It was great to be encouraged so much and the east coast gave me much love and nickname “The FoxXx That RoxXx the BoxXx.” Right after, I changed my name to FoxXxy in credit of Greg Gray who was already a programmer and one of the first to do shows when the CYBERJAMZ station was growing. FoxXxy came from me doing my shows on CYBERJAMZ. I did two shows a week for years, Monday nights, producing my own show and Tuesday nights Jus Muzik on CYBERJAMZ.

GO BANG! Magazine: More recently, you launched “Jus Muzic Radio.” This accomplishment places you in a class by yourself, being one of the only African American women to own an internet radio station. Please tell us about the station and describe to our readers how that makes you feel.

Meme Hughes:As I said before, I have always felt different from others. I wanted to take this show to other levels, knowing that years ago dance music mixes were taken off the FM dial for a long time. I wanted to bring that back, but with a new flavor and that was internet radio.

I started the station back in 2014 with 15 broadcasters on another free LIVE streaming site which took more than I could even imagine. It was put on hold for a bit and now Jus Muzik Radio has an actual seven page website which is growing, but still needs a lot of work to be where I feel it should be. I am honored and pleased to know that I am the first African American woman to build an internet radio station, bringing some of the best and up to date music there is. I am still in the growing process and looking forward to the future.

GO BANG! Magazine: You also are passionate about teaching, mentoring and giving back to the community. Please describe some of the things that you do, for the love of your people.

Meme Hughes: I love music. I feel that every time I play a set, even if sometimes it’s not received, I am teaching. The radio station is a platform for people to express their talent. Whether you want to add to your resume, give knowledge with your view (talk), express your knowledge of music (broadcaster), Jus Muzik Radio is the platform to help you live your dream and add on to your future.

My future plans are teaching and mentoring some of the youth who are interested in becoming talk/music show host, as well as having pop-ups to spread the word in the community and giving back with different functions to bring the neighborhood together in unity. I feel that it is important that people who love music and have the talent, to be able to express and show their talents to the world. I feel that I have a platform just for them.

GO BANG! Magazine: Are there any projects that you are currently working on that you can share with our readers?

Meme Hughes:I’m still growing and building the station. There will be an annual festival coming at the end of July. “Jus Muzik Radio’s 1st Annual Festival” where there will be music all day for the community. We will be also celebrating our first year anniversary in September as an actual radio website. Then there’s Breast Cancer Awareness in October, Thanksgiving Food giveaway in November and a Clothes & Toy drive for the children in December.

Stay tuned…

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Meme Hughes:It was so scary, but I have learned to cope and just continue living and accomplishing my goals and dreams safely.

Peace & Blessings to everyone and Safely Social Distance.

Thank you so much!

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re soooo welcome!


FOLLOW MeMe Hughes AT:
MeMe Hughes/FoxXxy Email: jusmuzikradio@gmail.com
FoxXxy Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/foxytriplex                                                                                                                                Jus Muzik Radio Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jusmuzik                                                                                               Jus Muzik Radio Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/JusMuzikRadio                                                                                                    FoxXxy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jusmuzikradiofoxy                                                                                                                  Jus Muzik Radio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jusmuzikradio                                                                                                         Jus Muzik Radio Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/jusmuzik_radio                                                                                                        FoxXxy MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/FoXXXy/                                                                                                                               Jus Muzik Radio MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/Jus_Muzik_Radio/                                                                                                  Jus Muzik Radio SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/jusmuzikradio

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

While other women were watching the game in the industry, DJ Celeste Alexander dared to play it.

Wife, mother, DJ and co-owner of a music label, Celeste manages to balance these responsibilities while delivering and creating some of the deepest, soulful mixes in today’s house music landscape.

Celeste was introduced to DJing by the legendary Steve “Silk” Hurley in 1982. During that time, dance music was still young, being shaped into a culture and genre that is now known worldwide as House Music. Celeste was learning her craft with the likes of many Chicago’s pioneers in the industry such as: Terry Hunter, Maurice Joshua, Ron Carroll, Ron Trent, Vick Lavender, Jamie 3:26, Mike Dunn and Gene Hunt, along with countless other DJs and producers from the Chicago area that have grown to giants in the industry. Celeste was the daring female in an otherwise male dominated industry, holding her own and making a name for herself in the Chicago music scene. She, to this very day, remains the only female who has played with the late legend Ron Hardy in his home, “The Music Box”.

Celeste’s motivation is to continue to play while debunking the myth that mixing was gender specific. Through mentorship and tutelage of such icons as Frankie Knuckles & Andre Hatchett, and the unwavering support of such noted DJs as Wayne Williams, Celeste has and continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Celeste took a hiatus for about 10 years, returning in 2006 with the desire to again be a part of the culture she left. She fell in love with how house music had progressed and wanted more than ever to play again.

In 2007, she didn’t miss a beat. With an offer of an opportunity to have her own internet radio show on Cyberjamz.com. This was the springboard to give Celeste a worldwide platform to express herself. Her show, The Celestial Odyssey is still going strong since its debut Cyberjamz.com. As a part of the Cyberjamz family for more than 13 years, she now is using The Celestial Odyssey as a personal brand on various internet mediums.

In 2009, she joined forces with Vick Lavender and Steven Stewart to become co-owner of Sophisticado Recordings, which is one of today’s most quality labels in the industry. To her credit, she has released several tracks under the Sophisticado name. “Nasty Bitch”, her collaboration with legendary pioneer Terry Hunter, was released that year and hit top 10 on the charts. Two years later, Celeste was named one of the top 100 most influential DJs in Chicago house history.

In 2013, she joined forces with BlondBabe Promotions. Under this management, she successfully maintained a residency at Chicago’s Underground Wonder Bar with “An Evening with The Lady of House” and quickly became one of the best experiences of music and dance on the Chicago House Scene.

In 2015, she was inducted to the DJ Hall of Fame and received the Frankie Knuckles Lifetime Achievement Award at the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Chosen Few Picnic.

Celeste has played in various clubs in various cities nationwide and has shared the decks with names like Ron Carroll, The Chosen Few, Jihad Muhammad, Ian Friday, Boo Williams, Lou Gorbea, and Grammy winning DJ Louie Vega, among many others. Today, she is the Musical Director/Talent Liaison for The Summer Oasis Festival in historic Idlewild, Michigan. She has played various festivals including Being the first female to play The Chosen Few Picnic, The Chicago House Music Festival, Divas of House, Herstory @ Chicago’s Dailey Plaza, several of The Silver Room Block club parties, The Attic Picnic, and at Coney Island in NY. She recently had a feature article in the re-launch of “Faith Fanzine” and closed out The Ron Hardy Tribute and fundraiser in grand fashion. She has partnered with Tastemaker Duane Powell in Sound Rotation events and been featured several times with the Honeycomb Music Radio show featuring Josh Milan, all while maintaining her internet radio show every Saturday now exclusively on Twitch.tv

“When I first started playing public, I would wear baggy clothes and a baseball cap so the people wouldn’t know it was a female playing,” says Celeste. “After I got them dancing, I would take off the sweatshirt, and baseball cap so they could see that they were dancing to a female playing. I love the shock factor!”

Staying true to her craft and shattering stereotypes remains to be Celeste motivation and dedication to an industry that is far more main stream than many give credit to.

Funky, Fearless, and Forever one of Chicago’s First Ladies of House!

GO BANG! Magazine: When did you first get started as a DJ, and what did you like most about it?

DJ Celeste Alexander:  I started learning in 1981. My first paid gig was in spring of 1982. My first love was learning the technical side of mixing and blending. At the time it was thought mixing was gender specific, that females could not grasp the skillset. I was really into shattering that stereotype.

GO BANG! Magazine: It is truly incredible that you were introduced in to Djing by Steve “Silk” Hurley, the 4-Time GRAMMY® Nominated Remixer. Please describe how you two met and how he eventually introduced you to the 1s & 2s.

DJ Celeste Alexander: Steve and I went to college together (Loop Jr. aka Harold Washington Jr. College). I had quite the crush on him back then. We had a couple of classes together and use to hang out in the lunchroom together. He always talked about “hot-mixing”

I asked him what it was, and he described it to me. I asked were there any girls doing it, he told me no. The myth was that women couldn’t (as in we didn’t have the coordination for it) but, he knew it was a myth because he had taught his younger sister how to do it. That whole part about females not being able to do it kind of stuck with me. It made me want to dig deeper and learn. Steve was the catalyst to me wanting to learn more about the craft. Eventually we ended up playing a lot of parties together and doing a lot of record shopping together.

GO BANG! Magazine: While pursuing your DJ career, you broke down a lot of barriers that were up against women. You were literally one of the first lady DJs. Please describe to our readers how you felt at the time, when you were trailblazing a path for women in DJ’ing.

DJ Celeste Alexander: Most times, especially after being accepted by some of my male counterparts, the experiences were great. I had a lot of fun, both honing my skills, learning the craft and playing parties. There were other times when it was difficult. Being a “first” woman breaking into any male dominated field ALWAYS has its difficulties. I didn’t consider myself a trailblazer at the time, by the time I was in regular rotations, and grinding with the rest of the fellas, I was learning, creating, partying and having fun. I don’t think any of us thought this culture would be as large as it is now back then. We were just out having constructive fun.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a resident of Chicago, the home of House music, you are recognized as one of the first female DJs. You were also one of the only women to perform with the late Ron Hardy at the legendary Music Box. What influence, if any, do you feel you have had on DJs and the House music scene? Also, how has House influenced you?

DJ Celeste Alexander: I was the ONLY woman to play with Ronnie at the Music Box, lol. And to be honest I can’t say what influences I may have had on someone else. I do know that I have mentored both women and men who are either breaking or grinding on the scene now. House music and the culture is one of the biggest influences of my life. Music has ALWAYS provided me with a place to be free. The underground dance scene is the place where I grew up, became an adult. House/Dance music has always provided a space of comfort and expression.

GO BANG! Magazine: In the past, female DJs were more of a novelty, and not taken as serious as their male counterparts. Do you think that image has changed and why or why not?

DJ Celeste Alexander: I have Never considered myself a novelty period. My grind is hard. I’ve ALWAYS strived to improve upon skillset and work ethic, I am constantly seeking out music and how to present it. Now a non-believer may consider me a novelty upon a first encounter, until they experience me playing!

Truth is presentation is everything. If you present yourself as a gimmick, that’s how you will be received. There are MANY Female’s in the field that are the REAL DEAL, because that’s how the present themselves, back that up with mastery of your skills, how can anyone NOT take you seriously? BUT, there are still many women that represent themselves with everything, but seriousness and true craftsmanship. If you show up like a joke, who is going to take you serious? Yes, some of the overall imagery has changed, but that’s because the glass ceilings have been broken in many areas, and many more women have stepped out and been extremely successful in doing so.

GO BANG! Magazine: You mentioned that in your early DJ years, you used to wear baggy clothes and a baseball cap, so that people wouldn’t know that it was a female playing. Then you would do your reveal and shock them. Please describe to our readers, one of your most memorable times when you made your revealed.

DJ Celeste Alexander: Until I had established myself as a DJ/mix-artist, I always wore baggy clothes. The baseball cap was added because when I did my first party, I showed up with lipstick on and clearly female when you saw me, I was not received well at all. In fact, I was booed and never actually given a chance to play. I was taken off the decks after my 3 songs, all based upon being female. The patrons had never seen a girl play before. I clearly was not a part of the scenario of their expectations.

I figured if the crowd didn’t know who was playing and assumed it was a guy playing, I would at least have the chance TO play. See, I needed the MUSIC to speak if allowed. So, after a few songs and the crowd doing what they came to do, DANCE, I would turn my back, to look for another record and return forward without the cap. After a couple of more songs, I would do the same and remove my sweatshirt, (with a tank top or tee-shirt underneath of course)! By then I had them there was nothing left to do but dance cause by then the crowd was rocking!

GO BANG! Magazine: In 2015, SolKat established “The Queens of House Picnic” here in Chicago. How does it feel to see the seeds that you planted years ago, currently sprouting and prospering in the House community?

DJ Celeste Alexander: I am proud to see the ladies finally getting the shine they deserve. I have played a couple of the Queens of House Picnics myself. It’s good to see women that are finally getting the respect, and to watch those seeds prosper and thrive.

GO BANG! Magazine: There are several DJ’s out there with mad skills, both male and female. Which ones do you personally like and which ones would you love to DJ with, but haven’t thus far?

DJ Celeste Alexander: I’ve been blessed over the years to make some awesome connections to other DJ’s I admire in the industry, and even more fortunate to have played with many of them. There are quite a few I would love to play with again. I have a plethora of personal favorites, too many to name them all. I think my desire is to play more-so in places I’ve never been, to cultures I have never experienced. For me it not Who I want to play with, its more Where I would love to play at!

GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being a DJ, you’re a successful businesswoman. Please introduce our readers to your internet radio show on Cyberjamz.com.

DJ Celeste Alexander: I was afforded an opportunity to have my own internet radio show on Cyberjamz.com back in 2007. I was given a shot by my NuBang Collective brother Sammy Rock. Cyberjamz was at the time the first and only independently owned radio station totally dedicated to House Music platforms. My show The Celestial Odyssey ran every week until the end of 2019. In 2020, I went independent with the brand and started doing shows on FB Live and now exclusively on TwitchTV. 2020 and COVID bought a whole different set of challenges to many DJ’s. For the past 9-10 months, we all have been trying to find platforms to consistently showcase our talents. Fortunately for me, I had Cyberjamz, so live interactive video/audio/chat was not foreign to me as it may have been to many so the adjustment was not as major as it may have been for many. As of right now, you can catch The Celestial Odyssey- The Journey Continues live, every Saturday from 3-5 pm (CST) on Twitch.tv/Celestethedj I also have audio podcast on multiple platforms including PodOMatic.com, Apple Music, Google Music and soon to be on Amazon music. I will always be grateful to Sammy and my Cyberjamz family for the times spent on their station. If it weren’t for it, I would never have broken the siloed patterns that many Chicago DJ’s had fallen into. Due to my exposure through cyberjamz, I have been able to make connections to music lovers, other DJ’s, producers, artist, musicians from across the world. Cyberjamz opened up the world for me and made it my oyster.

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re also “Married with Children.” Has business or the music bug rubbed off on your children, or are they not interested in the entertainment industry?

DJ Celeste Alexander: Both of my sons love music of all kinds, my eldest probably went to more House music events than the average Househead growing up. Lol, my youngest is in college and dabbles in studio work currently, but loves the hip-hop culture.

I helped teach my husband how to play. He is one hellova DJ in his own right!

GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve joined forces with Vick Lavender and Steven Stewart to become co-owner of Sophisticado Records. How did this partnership come about and what is the mission of the record label?

DJ Celeste Alexander: Vick and I became very good friends after meeting at the WMC in 2008, I think it was. We have been very close ever since, he’s like a younger brother to me. While he was trying to get his label off the ground, I helped in any way I could. My contributions to the label would be more of the business and contractual side of the brand and business. I have however learned a whole lot about next level facets of the music industry through our connection. Vick is an incredible and very creative talent. He has a vision of his music and how he wants it presented. It has been a pleasure to watch him grow and flourish in the industry. It has been even more of a pleasure to be a part of it. ~ If it ain’t Soul, we don’t do it~

Go Bang Magazine: Are you currently working on any new projects that you would like to mention to our readers?

DJ Celeste Alexander: I have a couple of things in the works musically. I am the Musical Director for The Summer Oasis Music Festival held in Idlewild Michigan annually. Of course, COVID did a job on us this year, but we are already in the planning phases for 2021 and beyond. Now that I am an “Empty Nester” I have the freedom to spread my wings a little more, we will see what 2021 brings.

GO BANG! Magazine: The world just recently lost DJ Angie Stone, another DJ Queen. What do you remember most about her? If you have a fond memory of her, please share it with our readers.

DJ Celeste Alexander: I miss Anji. We were sisters and friends. I mostly appreciated her tenacity; she reminded me very much of myself when I was a younger DJ. The word “NO” was not acceptable; she would make her own way successfully. She was determined to make her own “Yes” and she did JUST THAT! Rest in Musical Paradise My Dear Sister of Sound.

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

DJ Celeste Alexander: One day at a time. A lot of prayer. Keeping busy inside as much as possible. Staying positive that this too shall pass. Staying diligent with my weekly show, the music and any music related projects that I have been able to immerse myself into. Trying to keep myself busy and my brand relevant, because one day the world will open back up, and I want to be ready to go jump in and play!!!

You can follow DJ Celeste Alexander:

FB: fan page https://www.facebook.com/celestethedjknowshouse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestethedj
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Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

James C. Birdsong, Jr. is an aspiring gospel vocalist, songwriter, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, advocate for our children and author of The Best is Yet to Come: A Testimony of One Young Man’s Redemption, an inspirational memoir published nationally and to this date, received positive reviews and appearances on multiple television, radio and print media platforms nationwide and globally.

A native of Richmond, CA, his efforts have caught the attention and respect of politicians, community, media and entertainment leaders and luminaries. A member of the famed Birdsong family, his lineage includes R&B legend Cindy Birdsong, a former member of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebells and the Supremes, former four-time NBA All-Star pro basketball player Otis Birdsong and the late Edwin Birdsong, a GRAMMY®-Award winner and legendary 1970s era funk keyboardist, who’s music has been sampled by Kanye West, Snoop Dogg and Dalf Punk.

Mr. Birdsong was the great-nephew of the late Rev. Sidney Birdsong, Sr., a respected icon who served as the pastor of the historical Solid Rock Baptist Church in Los Angeles from 1959 to his death in 1976. A graduate of Fairfield High School in Fairfield, CA, Mr. Birdsong earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Education at Beulah Heights University in Atlanta, GA. He is currently pursuing a Graduate certificate in Marketing at the University of Phoenix in Phoenix, AZ.

The recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement and Marquis Who’s Who Top Artist Award, a listee in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the World, the Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award, the Congressional Record, the Black Essence Award in Gospel Music, numerous citations, honors, nominations, proclamations and resolutions and an inductee on the Wall of Tolerance at the Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery, AL.

His memberships of major music organizations include the Gospel Music Workshop of America Atlanta Chapter (GMWA), the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy (SAGMA) and the Gospel Music Association (GMA Dove Awards). He is working on his next book for youth as a discussion of various topics they face today from dating and relationships to the hip-hop culture and advice on how to enroll in college. The book is scheduled for publication in 2021.

GO BANG! Magazine: When and how did you know that you wanted to professionally pursue a life in the church?

James C. Birdsong, Jr.: First and foremost, I want to thank the GO BANG! Magazine family for giving me this opportunity to speak with your audience and the many readers throughout the WORLD.

I was born and raised in Richmond, California. I lived at the corner of Maine Avenue and Harbour Way South in the inner-city southside. My father, the late Rev. James C. Birdsong, Sr., who died in 1997 at 58 years old, was a respected and well-known minister and community activist in Richmond. He was a gifted and talented singer in his own right. However, my father had the opportunity to record, but he never pursued it. My mother, Belinda Germany-Birdsong resides here in Atlanta, Georgia.

I am a member of the world-renowned famed Birdsong family that consists of R&B legend Cindy Birdsong, a former member of the 1960s iconic R&B female groups Patti LaBelle and the Bluebells, and the Supremes; retired NBA four-time all-star pro basketball player Otis Birdsong; and Grammy Award winner, the late Edwin Birdsong, who became famous in the 1970s funk era and sampled by today’s multi-platinum artists such as Snoop Dogg, Kanye West and others. My great-uncle, the late Rev. Sidney Birdsong, Sr. was the pastor of the historic Solid Rock Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California.

I always tell people that God, my family, and my upbringing became the foundation of what I am doing today in my career in the gospel music industry and being a public figure on the national platform. I received my calling and beginnings at a very young age.

GO BANG! Magazine: Nowadays many people are turned off by “religion” and the church, with all of the politics involved and the judgement that sometimes happens between the parishioners, and prefer to say that they are “spiritual” and not “religious”, meaning they don’t attend church. What do you think about that?

James C. Birdsong, Jr.: This is a question that has and still continues to raise awareness related to the church. My family roots are Baptist, dating back to my great-grandparents, the late Ed and Ida Birdsong of Greenwood, Louisiana. I come from a long line of preachers in the Birdsong family.

For me, I was raised in the Church of God in Christ and Apostolic denominations during the 1980s and 1990s. I have seen and observed a lot in my childhood and adolescence. I grew up around pastors, first ladies, ministers, evangelists, missionaries, deacons, choir members, musicians, Sunday school teachers and the mothers of the church. There are politics in the church, especially when it comes to the leadership role.

You asked me about people being spiritual and not religious. We are living in a time now that people are not attending church, especially our younger generation. They truly love God. At the same time, people are already wounded from hurts. Instead of them leaving the church delivered and set free, they are going home more hurt, more wounds, and more of their self-esteem being torn down.

There are some people in the leadership role, not all, in the church that are very judgmental and have that “holier than thou” mentality. I can go on and on with this response. This is another reason why the current state of the church is this way. We still have true men and women of God that live and stand on His Word and have a heart for the people. It is sad that certain individuals classified in a group of church leadership are doing wrongful deeds, and make it look bad for the good pastors, leaders, and congregants. The scripture tells us in Matthew 5:16 (KJV), “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” In other words, our assignment is to be an effective and positive example to others by demonstrating God’s love towards one another. We are not doing enough of that today.

GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being a religious leader, you are also a motivational speaker. What topics have you spoken about and why do you feel that you are an effective motivational speaker?

James C. Birdsong, Jr.: I have been doing public speaking since I was 12-years old. I have told this story many times before. I was attending Nystrom Elementary School across the street from my house in Richmond, California. The school still exists today. I was in the sixth grade and preparing to graduate. The day before the graduation, my sixth-grade teacher named Donna Grove, a white woman, accompanied me to the auditorium. She and her husband had supported me through the years. I had to rehearse my speech. When I walked on stage, I was feeling very nervous. I said, “Mrs. Grove, I can’t do this.” She looked straight at me and said, “James, you can do this.” Her words gave me confidence. The next morning, I gave my speech and resulted in a stand ovation.

In 2002, God blessed me to return at Nystrom Elementary School to deliver the graduation commencement address. The school honored me in 2003 as the first former student in history to receive their most prestigious award. I usually share my story of being an overcomer to the young people and give them encouragement on how to succeed. I also encourage the parents and adults to love our children and never discouraged them. Prior to speaking at my sixth-grade graduation, my mother told me it was already there.

GO BANG! Magazine: Please explain to our readers what child advocacy is and describe what work you are doing in this area.

James C. Birdsong, Jr.: Child Advocacy is promoting and supporting their needs through mentorship. I am a strong supporter of our youth. God has allowed me to do this in my profession and throughout the community.

GO BANG! Magazine: As an entrepreneur, you recently established Birdsong Association of Broadcasting & Arts, Inc., which trains and guides youth who are interested in performing arts and broadcasting. What motivated you to establish this organization, and why initially in Atlanta, then in Los Angeles, and soon in New York City?

James C. Birdsong, Jr.: I am very glad you asked me this question. Birdsong Association of Broadcasting & Arts, Inc. is a new 501©3 non-profit organization to help our Black youth in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City and throughout the United States, to pursue their dreams and careers in performing arts and broadcasting with various programs and initiatives, partnerships with public school districts, 39 HBCUs, productions, workshops, fundraising activities, scholarships, mentorships, an annual gospel concert and pre-concert VIP awards gala as our benefit and much more.

God gave me this vision in 2018 to move forward in my goal of mentoring today’s youth. I am a strong supporter of our children and have been recognized by elected officials and organizations in this effort. Coming from a family that has been blessed with rich, strong legacy in the entertainment industry, I wanted to do my part to give back. The Birdsong family are strong believers in community service and philanthropic efforts.

Since I reside in Atlanta, our main operations of the organization are located here. We will then move forward with the launch of our second operations in Los Angeles and by faith, a third operation will be established in New York City.

Many of my friends and colleagues in the Gospel music industry and the Entertainment arena at large along with media broadcasters, my supporters and the public at large are very pleased about this organization. They all agree about this effort is needed in the Black community for our children from 5 to 18 years of age. One of our main targets will be our inner-city youth. My publicist is working on an extensive media and marketing campaign for this organization locally and nationally.

GO BANG! Magazine: After all of the previously mentioned accomplishments, you are also an aspiring gospel songwriter and vocalist. I suspect that you are spreading “the word” through song. What is your mission or goal as a Gospel performer?

James C. Birdsong, Jr.: I grew up singing as a child by listening to my father’s old school records of Rev. James Cleveland and other iconic Gospel artists of the Golden Era. We had a popular gospel radio station, KDIA 1310 AM, in the San Francisco Bay area. I remember this radio station playing the popular hits by Shirley Caesar, Rev. Timothy Wright, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, the Winans and especially my fellow Bay Area natives, the Hawkins Family. They are from Oakland, California. I would make up songs, and later, I would sing in the choir at 10 years old.

By the time I was 16 years old, I begin my journey of studying the business side of the Gospel music industry while obtaining vocal coaching. God has blessed me to be connected in the Gospel music industry throughout the United States. My goal is to proclaim a message of hope while mentoring our younger generation as a vocalist, songwriter and industry professional.

GO BANG! Magazine: You have authored two books thus far, “One Marriage, Many Tales, And a Separation: A Message of Hope” and “The Best is Yet to Come: A Testimony of One Young Man’s Redemption.” In 2021, you plan to publish a third book, which is a discussion geared toward the youth and the various topics they face, such as dating, relationships, hip hop culture and college enrollment. I commend you and look forward to its’ publishing. What do you think about the current youth of today, in relation to their participation and responsibility in the civil-unrest movement going on today?

James C. Birdsong, Jr.: I am very concern about today’s youth. I am from the Millennial generation. Right now, I am going to focus on Generation Z, which are the children born between the late 1990s to now. A lot has changed in the course of 25 to 30 years. I am comparing my upbringing to the generation today. I was blessed with both parents in the home. When I see the current state of today’s youth, we have a lot of work to do. Many of them are from single parent homes, the fathers are not present, living in an environment where drugs, gangs and violence are around, and the list goes on. Many of these young people feel there is no hope for them, nobody is listening to them, nobody is giving them the chance to showcase their God given talents, and certain people they look up to as mentors and role models have failed them. I want to encourage our youth of today. God has chosen, created, and given you a purpose in life. You are going to succeed regardless of what is going on in society. Never allow any obstacles hold you back from your goals. Stay out of trouble. You are special in God’s eyesight. People are going to criticize and have their voice of opinion. Do not allow that to define you or your character. You are loved and respected.

GO BANG! Magazine: Being a Black man in America today is dangerous on a daily basis. We have ALL experienced it in different ways. How have you been affected by systematic racism and have you witnessed White privilege? If so, please describe the instance for our readers.

James C. Birdsong, Jr.: Growing up in Richmond, California in an all-Black neighborhood, I learned early in life who I was as a Black man in America through observations. I grew up surrounding by diversity, since I am from the San Francisco Bay Area. I had been blessed to attend schools in both the Black and White communities and had friends and acquaintances in different nationalities and cultures. I had Black and White teachers and they all pushed and encouraged me to strive for greatness.

I have experienced racism myself, but not on the systematic level. I remember during the 1990s, the Black community was being affected from being followed in the stores and shopping malls, as if they were going to commit a crime such as stealing. This particular situation made national headlines and caused anger throughout the Black community.

I had experienced this firsthand when I was 16 years old. My mother came to pick me up from school. I was in my sophomore year at Fairfield High School in Fairfield, California. My parents were already divorced. This happened a year before my father’s sudden death. Before we went home to our apartment, my mother needed to go to the store. This particular grocery store was very popular at the time before they merged with another company. I grew up shopping at this store with my parents in Richmond. While my mother and I were in the store, she went to the poultry department to purchase catfish and tiger prawn shrimp for dinner. I went to the area where the school supplies were located. I needed a pack of line paper for school. While I was over there, there were two older White men employed at this store. I saw them on other occasions prior to this incident. They followed me over there and assumed I was going to steal. My mother was nearby and saw what they were doing. She was about to go off on these men. Now, my mother is a sweet, God fearing woman. She said to them, “If you do this to my son again, I will report you to the NAACP.” They backed off and walked away shameful.

My name was already being recognized in Fairfield, Suisun City, and surrounding areas due to ministry, leadership abilities and my classmates referring to me as “the Pastor of Fairfield High School.” Not too long after that, we received word these same two White men were fired, due to other complaints from other Black shoppers. These men did not know that I had a cousin that worked at this same store in the poultry department, nor they did not know I am a member of a renowned famous family. My cousin was not working that day. My mother had a serious discussion with me about this situation on our way home. God was with me that day and I am grateful he revealed to my mother what was going on. If she did not see this, those racist white men would have called the police on me on a false accusation.

GO BANG! Magazine: The Covid-19 pandemic has dampened and ruined the entire year of 2020 thus far, for many people. They are dealing with it in various ways. Some are doing just fine, while others are depressed because of loneliness or death to loved ones, due to the virus. What words of encouragement or motivation can you provide to readers who need help dealing with our current new normal?

James C. Birdsong, Jr.: I have been asked this particular question in recent press interviews regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has been very challenging for all of us, especially for those of us in the Gospel music industry and Entertainment arena at large. We have been doing award ceremonies, concerts, and meetings virtually.

It does not matter what race, culture, or your social status maybe, we have experienced something that never came to our minds. For me and my family, we have been taking measures to remain safe. God is still blessing us in spite of the pandemic. This situation is only temporary.

At the same time, we need to take a close examination of ourselves and get more close to God. These are the signs of the last days. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who lost their loved ones to the pandemic. I want to encourage them to be strong and to remain positive.

GO BANG! Magazine: Many youth, particularly young black men, may look to you as a role model and an example of how to achieve success while being Black. Can you please explain how you overcame the many obstacles in your life to achieve the accomplishments you have?

James C. Birdsong, Jr.: God brought me through a mighty long way from Richmond, California to now. I could not talk at the age of three, due to being born with a speech impediment. He healed me and I share this story on multiple media platforms on television, radio, newspapers, and magazines. I attended school in the Special Education Program. I have experience teasing and bullying, the divorce of my parents, the death of my father and other situations. It made me strong. I thank God for the people in my life that loved me, supported me, prayed for me, and never gave up on me.

I never thought I would be the recipient of over 30 awards, including proclamations from mayors to members of the United States Congress. Now I am going to be honored in the Congressional Record. I have been told by so many people, “James, you are truly a role model to our young people, especially our young black men.” Recently, I had someone tell me, “You are about to be an icon.”

The prayers of my parents and the encouragement of friends, loved ones, teachers and mentors inspire me to be the man God placed me today. Your gift will make room for you. I was not raised to be a quitter and our young people need to remind themselves, “I am not going to quit. I am somebody.”

GO BANG! Magazine: What words of wisdom can you provide to our non-Black readers to help them understand what life is like being Black during these tumultuous times, and can you suggest what they can do to help make this world a better place for us all?

James C. Birdsong, Jr.: I want to encourage the non-Black readers to learn and be open about our struggles. It is not easy for us as Black people. We go through so much, but more so as a Black man. If you truly love and care for the Black community, demonstrate how much you care through your actions. Be an effective listener and be yourself. Remember, action speaks louder than words.

I believe the world can be a better place if we apply God’s Word in our lives and perform the works.

I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my story with your audience.

Be safe and may God bless you.

GO BANG! Magazine: You are more than welcome…Thank YOU!


Additional Links
James C. Birdsong, Jr. Website:  www.jamescbirdsongjr.net.  
Birdsong Association of Broadcasting & Arts Website: http://www.babaonline.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jamescbirdsongjr
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jamescbirdsongjr
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheRealJBOnline




Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram