Artist Profile-Levi @itsdjlevi: Maybe the coolest producer/artist/DJ around. He’s blending and redefining sounds inspired by Afrohouse beats, 90’s R&B, and house into the perfect melodic experience.

Australian music producer LEVI has been a key driving force in the Afro-House movement. His single “JUMP” amassed over 100 million streams across all platforms and he has sold out tours worldwide, within just one year.

Discovering artists like Keinemusik, Sonny Fodera, and Jaydon Lewis in addition to acts like Groove Armada, who was his first introduction to electronic music, Levi has developed his production style and honed in on crafting his own Afro-beat-leaning sound. His passion for combining R&B and electronic is apparent on his smash hit “Jump,” which incorporates elements of Ginuwine’s 1996 hit, “Pony.” 1

I became a fan of Levi after seeing his music translate through South East Asia and India and Bangladesh. His reach is global and energy is translated through any culture and language.

Here’s the perfect Spotify playlist: Levi Spotify Playlist

  1. https://djlifemag.com/2024/10/levi-jumps-to-the-bigtime-interview/#:~:text=Levi’s%20hit%20single%20“Jump”%20has,that’s%20heavily%20influenced%20by%20R&B. ↩︎

Remix of the Week (Mario’s-Let Me Love You): Bonnie X Clyde 2025

A 2004 R&B Classic with a progressive house remix BONNIE x CLYDE-Let me love you 2025.

There is no way listening to this song doesn’t make your day slightly better.

Album of the Week (A Deep Dive): Gucci Mane-Episodes

Background: Album background and inspiration: Gucci Mane’s recent memoir, published on October 14, 2025, is titled Episodes: The Diary of a Recovering Mad Man1. The book is not released in separate episodes as a series, but is a full-length book (256 pages) that uses the concept of “episodes” as a narrative device to revisit specific points in his life and mental health journey. 

In the book, each “episode” is a chapter or section where Gucci Mane details specific experiences, such as struggles with mental health and addiction, the story behind his ice cream cone tattoo, or his wife witnessing his overdose. He also incorporates insights from mental health professionals alongside his personal accounts to raise awareness and discuss mental illness openly. 

This new book is his second memoir, following his New York Times bestselling memoir, The Autobiography of Gucci Mane, which was released in 2017. The original autobiography is also a single complete book, not an episodic series. 

Album Release Date: October 17th, 2025 (NEW MUSIC FRIDAY!)

Favorite Track/Moment in time (one on repeat-pending full album release): “Only Time” SoundCloud The 1:25 mark starts with an ode to Offset (who I claim to be from the same general town from) and then a few references to cities in Atlanta, which being from Atlanta was nostalgic (what’s up Decatur). This track is not a fully traditional Dirty South Gucci Mane track but blends beats of the south, some west coast vibes and a bit more chill. The eclectic energy of this song is perfect for any time of day/mood.

  1. Book Link: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Episodes/Gucci-Mane/9781668050231 ↩︎

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The Friday Feature-Alex Rosen @airozay

Check out my Q&A with Alex and then listen to the disco/funk melodic tunes of his latest mix! It will definitely help you add some in-home dance worthy vibes for the weekend. Enjoy.
1)    Where are you from and a quick summary of how you ended up in NYC? 

I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, shoutout to Glencoe, and recently moved to NYC back in August. I always dreamed of living in NYC. My Dad’s family is from here and I grew up visiting NY once every few months. Also, most of my best friends have made the move out to NYC so it was a no brainer. The energy in the city amazing and it’s hard to beat NYC nightlife. 

2)    How did you get into DJ’ing and do you remember your first gig?

I first started DJing in high school but way before that, I was making mix tapes on CD’s when I was probably 10 years old during the Napster days. My first legitimate gig took place in my best friend’s parents basement. His parents went out to a movie and the minute they left the driveway, we pulled in with decks + speakers. We rocked out for a good two hours and had to quickly clean before they came back. After that gig, I started to get calls about other parties and it snowballed from there.

3)    Who are your musical inspirations? Artists that make you the DJ who you are today?
My musical inspirations stem from what I was introduced to as a child. My Dad was really into Classic Rock and my Mom was into Disco + Funk. As I grew up, I went through several phases which included classic rock, punk rock, hip-hop, electronic, reggae, indie rock, house (progressive, deep, tech, etc) 

My style of DJ’ing really depends on multiple variables: the venue, time of day, who’s in the crowd, etc. I can touch multiple genres throughout one gig and it’s really important to me to keep every set fresh and not repetitive. Artists like Bob Marley, Daft Punk, A-Trak, Girl Talk, Lil’ Wayne, Yeasayer, Avicii, Frank Ocean, Richie Hawtin, Talking Heads, The Allman Brothers Band, Solomun, Axwell, Major Lazer, SG Lewis inspired me to become the DJ I am today.

4)    If you could see one performer (dead or alive) who would it be?
I missed Daft Punk’s tour back in 2007 so that would be #1 on my list. I also would’ve loved to see Bob Marley at a venue somewhere in Jamaica during his prime.

5)    What’s one piece of advice for someone who would like to become a DJ? 

Don’t give up and find something that separates you from other DJ’s. Go to the clubs and bars, meet the staff, make friends with management and be prepared to bring a crowd once you get the opportunity to play at a new venue. Don’t follow a pre-selected track list. Instead read the room and don’t be afraid to switch it up if what you’re playing isn’t working. Also, Master the art of transitions. I can’t tell you how many times I see DJ’s not able to beat match and time their transitions. 

6)    So, what is your dream gig? 

It’s tough to answer because I have a few that I can think of but one that stands out would be to play at Cafe Mambo in Ibiza. It’s known for having one of the best sunsets on the island and every DJ knows that nothing is better than sunset gigs on a beautiful island. If I could travel back in time, I would pick DJ’ing at Studio 54 during the peak years. That would be an experience. 
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The Friday Feature: Tyler Pavlas @t.pav1

Here is my Q&A with Tyler and make sure to check out his funky electronic/disco mix!
1)     Where are you from and a quick summary of how you ended up in NYC? 
Born and raised in Tomball, TX. My parents went to high school where I went to high school, so I took off to San Francisco after college to change the course of our lineage. Lived in The Bay for 3 years, joined a tech startup and realized that although SF has entrepreneurship, the city lacks the diversity, culture, and art that permeates through Brooklyn.
 
2)     How did you get into DJ’ing and do you remember your first gig?
Sadly stereotypical, but I moved to Brooklyn and started going to Black Flamingo. I came across parties hosted by Toribio and Musclecars and fell in love with the vibes they created.
I realized nothing brought me more joy than the music, and with a foundation of the core skills required to be a DJ (song selection, musicality, performance), decided it was what I was meant to spend time doing.
 
3)     Who are your musical inspirations? Artists that make you the DJ who you are today?
Musical: Tame Impala, Frank Ocean, Stevie Wonder, LCD Soundsystem, Marvin Gaye, Solange, James Blake, Toro y Moi, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Childish Gambino, Andre 3000, Jay-Z, Nas.
DJ: Jamie XX, Four Tet, Caribou, Peggy Gou, DJ Seinfeld, KAYTRANADA, The Blaze, Polo & Pan, Jacques Greene, Kornél Kovács, Eli Escobar, Musclecars, Toribio, JADALAREIGN
 
4)     If you could see one performer (dead or alive) who would it be? 
Biggie Smalls in Bed-Stuy.
 
5)     What’s one piece of advice for someone who would like to become a DJ? 
Invest time, be present and genuine, bring positive energy, create quality content.
 
6)     So, what is your dream gig? 
The Lot Radio would be a real honor.
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Thursday Tunes-Oliver Heldens: Heldeep Radio 303


Dutch DJ Oliver Heldens is out with his latest extended set: Heldeep Radio 303. He releases a weekly mix and more often than not they make for excellent listening if you’re a fan of electronic/house music. If this is up to your listening standards make sure to subscribe to his podcast Oliver Heldens Presents: Heldeep Radio on Apple Podcasts (or whatever platform you use) for a weekly set. Also, I know a lot of us like a specific track from an extended set so I’ve included a link below outlining the entire track list. Enjoy!

Heldeep Radio 303 Full Track List

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The Friday Feature (Highlighting Some Amazingly Talented Artists): @julianokay

Here is my Friday Feature Q&A with Julian OK:

1)    Where are you from and a quick summary of how you ended up in NYC? 

I was born and raised on a small French island in the Caribbean called St Barths. I traveled a bunch for school growing up, but after being home and starting to work in the DJ world for a few years, I decided I needed to dream big and try to climb the highest ladder I could find! That would be New York City. 

2)    How did you get into DJ’ing and do you remember your first gig?

Music was always really important to me growing up, but I think it really hit me when I got into more electronic sounds. I just bought a small cheap controller and learned on my own from Youtube and just practicing in my room every day. My first gig was for my high school graduation in Paris!

3)    Who are your musical inspirations? Artists that make you the DJ who you are today?

I have SO many inspirations. My all-time favorite artist and inspiration is Deadmau5. His music production really resonates with me but so does his attitude. He might get a little aggro sometimes, but he just knows what he wants and likes. He is involved with every step of his music and live shows and is really loyal to his fans.

What got me into electronic music was when I started listening to Daft Punk, Justice, MSTRKFRT, Eric Prydz, old-school David Guetta, and I then grew into loving artists like Alesso, Kaskade, Tchami, A-Trak, Avicii, Dillon Francis, and so many more. Dance music is definitely where my heart lies.

4)    If you could see one performer (dead or alive) who would it be? 

It would absolutely have to be Daft Punk. Really wish I had seen their 2007 Alive Tour.

5)    What’s one piece of advice for someone who would like to become a DJ? 

 I’d say have faith in yourself and don’t give up! If you want it enough, you will make it happen 🙂

6)    So, what is your dream gig? 

It would have to be on a big festival stage like Tomorrowland or Ultra or Electric Daisy Carnival. I won’t be picky :p

NOW CHECK OUT THE AMAZING MIX ABOVE!

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First ZtoAWorld Exclusive: DJ MghtyMax

DJ Feature Mghtymax:

Here are the list of questions for Mghtymax:

1)    Where were you born and a quick summary of how you ended up in NYC? 

Born and bred in CT, ended up in NYC 1.5 years ago for work.

2)    How did you get into DJ’ing and do you remember your first gig? 

I became obsessed with EDM about 8 years ago. I never pursued the DJ gig full-time but would  play a lot of house parties pro bono.

3)    Who are your musical inspirations? Artists that make you the DJ who you are today?

EDM inspirations are Dillon Francis and Skrillex. Watching them rise from being a nobody to A-list DJs was unreal to see and really inspired me to listen to and DJ music that I really connected with.

4)    If you could see one performer live (dead or alive) who would it be? 

I would transport back in time to the 2013 Holy Ship to see all of my favorite DJs on one boat (when cruises were still cool).

5)    One piece of advice for someone who would like to become a DJ? 

The most cliché piece of advice would be practice. You’ll spend countless hours of learning and failing until you get it right.

6)    Your dream gig? 

I’ve never Dj’d a real gig, but a well known bar in NYC would be a great starting point.




Dose of Hip-Hop: Joyner Lucas-I Love

East Coast lyricist, poet, rapper (call him what you want) is at the top of the Hip Hop game with the release of ADHD.  The album features one amazing track after another.  My personal favorites are Isis, ADHD and I Love. The album was released in 2020 (one of the few good things to happen in 2020) and will satisfy any hip-hop fan.  The lyrics, tempo and flow of Joyner Lucas is unmatched and his creativity and vision are clear on this album. With guest features with the likes of Logic and Young Thug, I promise this will be a quarantine favorite. As is with all shows at the moment, the tour is on hold but we’ll be posting updates as soon as they are available! Now stay inside, listen and enjoy.

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