We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dj Steph Stylez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with DJ below.
DJ, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Thank you for allowing me to share my story. It is my hope that my continuous journey can help someone in their creative pursuits. I first off would like to acknowledge God and the gifts he has blessed me with. It is my belief that We are all reflections of God’s beautiful, divine, and perfect design. We are love, and through His reflection, we embody love. The greatest gift the Creator has ever given us is creativity.
Since childhood, I have felt different. I have always felt the need to create a better space in the world around me—whether by filling a room with music, drawing stick figures on walls, expressing myself through dance, or simply being unapologetically myself. My creativity allows me to take up space everywhere I go, and I know that is something my Creator has intended for me. Keeping your creativity alive means recognizing that, through your divine and perfect gifts, you have the right to take up space. The world is vast enough for each individual to shine. Space is sacred, and sharing space is even more sacred. Will the world always embrace your creativity the way you want? Probably not. However, it is essential to stay true to your gifts and, more importantly, to continue finding inspiration in all that you do creatively.
My creative journey began as a child, experiencing the artistic vibrancy of New York City—a metropolis of creative celebration. Who would have thought I would become part of this creative hub? As a child, I immersed myself in art. Music was my first love. I grew up surrounded by music, playing on my mom’s Fisher sound system—tapes, vinyl, and CDs. I scratched up my mom’s vinyl records trying to emulate DJs. Some records that come to mind from my childhood in my living room were Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall, Aretha Franklin’s Jump to It, Cameo’s Candy, Shannon’s Let the Music Play, Lisa Lisa’s Can You Feel the Beat, Soul II Soul’s Keep on Movin’, Drizabone’s Real Love, Luther Vandross Stop to Love, Prince When dove’s cry and more. I spent nights and early mornings watching music videos, practicing choreography from the likes of Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, and Fatima Robinson, and mimicking ballet and modern movements.I thank my mother for allowing me to be my full self, never imposing limits or boundaries. Despite growing up in poverty, my mother never let my socioeconomic status stifle my creativity. She was my guardian angel and my beacon of light. I thank her for letting me play music loudly in the house. When we had no furniture at age 11, I turned our living room into a nightclub, and she supported me by getting a disco ball, a CD mixer, and a cassette player. I even poured drinks for my siblings, creating a full nightlife experience.
I discovered GQ Magazine, Architectural Digest, and Vogue magazine. I knew I wanted the life of the people on those glossy pages. My way of dressing and thinking about the world changed. However, as I grew older, the world’s inequities began to stifle my creative freedom. I heard the words echoing: “You’re a faggot.” “Only girls do this.” “Black boys don’t do this.” “Why are you so pretty?” “You’re gay.” “This is stupid.” “Haha, you can’t read.” “You’re not smart; you only get by because you’re quiet.” “You’ll never get anywhere with this.” Unfortunately at that time I internalized those words and I hid myself from the world. Stay true to yourself. Find the love within yourself. Hold on tight to your inner child.
Today I am known for my mix series Brownstone Sessions. Brownstone Sessions was inspired by the underground house music parties I attended in Brooklyn and Harlem in the late 2000s and 2010s. I remember a party inside a Brooklyn brownstone after the Brooklyn Museum’s First Saturday event. The basement pulsed with strobe lights, and the DJ was incredible. People danced on baby-powdered filled floors. Upstairs, the smell of fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, potato salad and barbecue filled the air. We danced from sundown to sunrise. I layed on a sofa, hearing the distant church bells on Marcy Avenue. I stayed there until 9:00 AM. Brownstone Sessions was born out of my desire to recreate that moment. Fast forward I took a risk, posted my mixes on SoundCloud, and sent them to people who loved them. Now, my mixes have thousands of plays on streaming platforms.
Creativity is about taking risks. I take risks with my style and fashion, too. Fashion provides an escape—a fantasy. My name, DJ Steph Stylez, came from another DJ complimenting me: “Steph, you got style.” It stuck with me and I loved it. It’s a tongue twister, but my style is a reflection of my creativity.
Keeping creativity alive requires continuous education, motivation, communication, and dedication. Learning—both formally and through life experience—is essential. The world is vast and full of creative people. Social media connects us globally, allowing our creations to travel. Exposure to different people and cultures can inspire us and help us see our place in the world. Self-education never ends; it is a lifelong journey. Inspiration comes from simply waking up and witnessing the world around us.
I feel motivated to spread my creativity, hoping it changes lives. The countless emails and direct messages I receive about my DJing and Brownstone Sessions inspire me daily. I do this to inspire others. Most people don’t know that I am also an educator. I bring my creativity into my work, using it to shape how I teach and connect with my students. I tell them: I am living proof that you can be anything. I live without limits. My creativity is my catalyst for living
What many people don’t know is that I’m also an educator. I bring my creativity into my work, allowing it to shape the way I teach and engage with my students. I tell them, I am living proof that possibilities are endless. You can be anything.I live my life without limits, and my creativity is the force that drives me forward.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
DJ Steph Stylez (@djstephstylez) is a dynamic New York City-based DJ, event coordinator, and style influencer known for curating unforgettable experiences. With a passion for music, fashion, and creative collaboration, he seamlessly blends sound design with space curation to elevate events and support emerging small businesses, including restaurants, bars, and niche concepts.
Beyond the turntables, DJ Steph Stylez is a recognized tastemaker in the fashion world. Whether deejaying or making appearances across the city, he actively promotes and wears designs from up-and-coming independent brands and local boutiques. Many credit his influence as a driving force behind the growth and visibility of their labels. His presence extends beyond music and fashion—he also lends his expertise to art curation and installations throughout New York City.
A staple of the nightlife scene, DJ Steph Stylez is often spotted networking with fellow DJs, promoters, and tastemakers, further cementing his role as a cultural connector. His high-energy sets span across genres—including House, Hip-Hop, R&B, Jazz, and Dance music—creating electrifying atmospheres that leave audiences craving more. Whether through his vibrant visual style, charismatic hosting, or infectious energy, his events consistently spark excitement. The question on everyone’s lips after a DJ Steph Stylez party is always: “When’s the next one?”
While he doesn’t have a single residency, DJ Steph Stylez takes pride in being a traveling DJ, bringing his signature sound to various venues and communities. However, he envisions a permanent home for his celebrated Brownstone Sessions—a mix series and event series that highlights a unique blend of house and soulful music. Featured on platforms like SoundCloud, Apple Music, and Spotify, Brownstone Sessions reflects his deep-rooted connection to New York City’s rich musical landscape. “The vibe has to be right,” he explains. “People have to believe in my creative vision as much as I do. It can’t just be a money grab or a viral moment—music is timeless, and I want a timeless vibe. I love collaboration and partnerships.”
DJ Steph Stylez has already collaborated with numerous brands and institutions,, non-profits, and museums, fueling his creative spirit. In addition to DJing, he is a songwriter, remixer, and producer—talents he honed during the 2020 pandemic. Through isolation, he discovered a passion for reworking tracks into dancefloor anthems and creating mashups that have since gone viral, earning airplay from DJs worldwide.
As he continues to perform across New York City and the Northeast, DJ Steph Stylez is setting his sights on new creative frontiers, particularly fashion collaborations. “Self-promotion is the best promotion,” he says. He has already partnered with designers to incorporate Brownstone Sessions cover art onto garments, and he plans to release a collection of wearable pieces, including denim jackets, sweaters, and his signature fedoras. “People always ask where they can get the items I wear or say they’re inspired by my style. I believe in access—I’m not a gatekeeper of style. I put everybody on.”
With an ever-evolving vision, DJ Steph Stylez continues to push boundaries, merging music, fashion, and culture to create a lasting impact. Lets talk with Steph Stylez about his journey and creative process.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Being creative doesn’t come without challenges. When you’re trying to profit from your creativity, one of the biggest hurdles is convincing the world that your gifts have value. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your purpose and why at the forefront. Self-education never ends—it’s a lifelong pursuit. Inspiration comes from simply waking up in the morning and observing the world around us. We must feel driven to share our creativity, knowing it has the power to change lives.
When I first started streaming Brownstone Sessions mixes online, I was thrilled to see thousands of streams worldwide. But when I threw my first real party on my own, no one showed up. The room was empty. At that moment, I wanted to give up on my dream of being a DJ. But instead of quitting, I kept researching, practicing, and refining my craft. Over time, the rooms I played in started to fill.
As a DJ, there are busy seasons and slow seasons. Use the slow seasons to reset, refine your skills, and recalibrate your brand. One of the best things I’ve done for my growth is collaborating with other DJs, brands, and companies. It’s all about expanding your audience. I’m still growing, still being discovered, and I remain open to learning and evolving. Life is a classroom—education never stops.
I still attend parties, fall in love with DJs, and discover new music. Networking and communication are key. I had to push past my introverted nature because, as they say, a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. If you don’t speak your dreams into the world, you’ll never receive the mental, spiritual, and emotional nourishment you need to thrive.
I used to fear rejection, but I’ve learned that rejection is just the universe’s way of redirecting you. Never give up. Keep going. Do what fulfills you—because when you do, your creativity will reach new heights.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Life is a journey, and along the way, we encounter people who help guide us on the path that the Creator has carved out for us. Today, I want to take a moment to shout out Black women—my biggest supporters from day one.
First and foremost, I want to honor my mother, Rosalind Harris. I am beyond grateful to have had a mother who loved me unconditionally and made me believe that the sky’s the limit. She gave her all—not just to me, but to the world—and I’m proud to carry her heart within me.
Kim Holmes, legendary dancer and choreographer, thank you for giving me my first real DJ opportunity at Ailey Studios. You allowed me to grow not just physically, but spiritually.
Adriane Ferguson, a legendary culinary proprietor in Harlem—thank you. You’ve known me forever, and when I came to you seeking an opportunity, you said yes. Sometimes, that’s all it takes—one yes to propel you forward. You welcomed me into a community where I am supported and loved. Thank you, Adriane. Thank you, Harlem.
Alvin Wayne, thank you for inspiring me and showing me my endless possibilities. Emil Wilbekin, your unwavering support has meant everything. You gave me opportunities when I was first starting out as a professional DJ, and your Native Son platform introduced me to the Black LGBTQ+ community in a way that allowed me to truly be seen.
To my DJ community—Stormin’ Norman (you are the blueprint for what I do), Ali Coleman, BH Logic, Natasha Diggs, and so many more—thank you for the love and support.
And finally, to my biggest fan and supporter, my brother Sharieff Ali, thank you for always listening to me and pushing me to be the best version of myself.
This article is for all the little boys and girls out there who have a dream. Keep dreaming. Keep doing. You will find your place in this world, and when you do, own it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djstephstylez
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCY5c3z-vOK-tXZBu0Q7hqqg?si=QLBqgvpjO2dWdu9M
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/CPsYEUkDH1ZfTcgu8
Image Credits
photographs by Verleen Killz @verleenkillz
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