How did you get into DJing?

When I was little I was always going to New York. Every time I was up there, I would listen to Hot97. The radio DJs there were always playing. The djs were nice. When I got older I started to follow DJ‘s like FunkFlex, DjBobbyTrends, and lots of other DJ‘s in New York. I decided to take djing seriously when I heard Dj Diamond Kutz from Philly’s Power 99. She inspired me the day I heard her. Everyday in highschool at a certain time I would turn her on just to listen to the music she was mixing. She makes every song good on the radio. With Djing, I always had a passion for it. I always liked listening to radio djs because they give that “hype energy” when your on the road, they keep you interested, I’m like,”This is something I want to do”.I wanted people to see me and hear me too.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

I advanced my skill/knowledge by doing a bunch of research. My biggest goal was to learn how to scratch but before that I had to learn how to mix songs together first so I learned that first before anything. I watched a lot of youtube videos. The main videos were DJTLM and DigitalDJtips. They really helped a lot. I would practice everyday to make sure my skills were better than yesterday whether it was scratching or mixing, everyday new songs, new samples, new tempos.

What did your first setup look like?

My first setup was for my controller a DJ Hercules Compact controller lol.My laptop was an HP notebook 15, and I Had no speakers at the time. I wasn't really worried about speakers because I wanted to be comfortable learning how to dj first before I start investing in dj equipment.

What does your current setup look like?

My current setup now is a Pioneer Sb2 as a controller and a Numark Mixtrack pro 3 I alternate back and forth depending on the type of party. My speakers are harbingers 15” inch, They are really good speakers. My computer is a Macbook Air 13 inch (2017), I have a wireless microphone system and they are gemini’s

How did you get your DJ/Artist name?

I changed my name 3 times before I came to DjYungNas. My first unofficial DJ name was DJ Nazy Naz. I thought it was cool when I was like 16 years old but I did some research and turns out that someone already had it so I had to change it. The next name was DJ NiJ, The reason why I chose that was because of my name Naseem Johnson. I just took the first letter of my first, middle, and last name. Next was lil nas but then my friend was like “ Yo lil nas” and it hit me, “this sounds like a rapper name“,“nah this is not it”. Then lastly I came up with DJ Yung Nas, Just saying it, it comes together perfectly, Especially when people say it, It sounds perfect. So that's how I came up with DJ Yung Nas.

If you could DJ at any 3 events/festivals what would they be?

3 events that I would love to DJ is Summer Jam for Hot97. That would be a dream come true

I would also love to Dj Rolling Loud which would be really big. Lastly I would DJ for spring break concerts in MIami FL, That would be nice.

If you could DJ in any 3 cities what would they be?

If I could dj in any 3 cities It would Be New York, Los Angeles, And Miami

If you could be a tour DJ for any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?

I would DJ for Travis scott his energy he brings to the concerts are just amazing. I would Dj for Gunna and lastly I would dj for Dababy.

What is your goal when you play live?

When I play live my goal is to make sure everyone is lit. I want to make sure their dancing, singing, and going crazy to the music.

What's your go to song right now?

My go to song right now is,”Suge” By Dababy

What is your dream?

My dream as a DJ is to have a spot on any major market HipHop/Urban radio station

What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to become a DJ?

It depends if their young I would say watch videos about djing, study it, Practice your dj skills everyday, Remember quality over quantity, and Don’t let anything stop you or distract you from your goal, and the biggest one is please don't procrastinate. Find you a Dj friend that can help you get better no matter the age. I have always told myself or others that I don’t need help with this other that I can do it. I felt this way because I felt better about myself when I did the work on my own because nobody can claim it. You may need a team of people you can trust, that's preference. Watch for people who really like what you do and for the people who are just there because they see your success.

Where can people find you? (social media, website, etc.)

Instagram: @DJYungNas

Twitter @DJYungnas

Mixcloud: @DjYungNas

Soundcloud @Djyungnas

Youtube: @ Yung Nas

DJ YungNas interview | Respect the Dj interview