Life & Work with DJ Rah D

Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Rah D.

Hi DJ Rah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Blossoming from Motown Detroit, also recognized as the origin of techno music, my appreciation for various sounds is deep-rooted. One of my childhood memories is listening to local radio stations playing uncut jazz, funk, hip hop, disco, deep house, and r&b tracks. These early exposures to different genres are what inspire this “music head.”

Some of my favorite artists are Ella Fitzgerald, J Dilla, Mary J. Blidge, and Moodyman. Mixing in today’s most popular hits, my blend of nostalgic hip hop, funk, house, and throwback gems create the recipe for what I call SōL FooD. Music that is designed to feed your soul.

While aligning myself with achieving my goals, my list of clientele is ever-growing. I’ve had the pleasure of working with P&G, Spot lite Detroit, Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge, Gee Horton (A Contemporary artist from Louisville), The Scout Guide Cincinnati and even being a resident DJ for the exploration series called Warmth Culture founded by Alex Stallings and Cj Wooten. With an ever-growing passion for the art of music, my goal is to always keep the audience mesmerized for years to come!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I believe life is full of challenges. Being a part of a male-dominated field and learning a new craft can be very challenging. However, I have never been the type of person who allows anything or anyone to hold me back. I am passionate about the art of music. Acknowledging, why I decided to DJ helps to keep me grounded. Having a community of supportive people is very important. I am very appreciative of my partner of 13 years, my friends, and my family.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My specialty are Vībes. Frequencies. Feel Good music. I intended to bring people together and raise conscious via music. I am currently wrapping up the year with The Black Pearl Experience as the Co-founder/Resident DJ. The Black Pearl Experience was established in 2021 with my firms & business partner Latoya Watson. The Black Pearl Experience curates spaces that bring 100% unapologetic celebration of joy, art, and music to the Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community, but all are welcome. You can find us on IG our Black Pearl Experience website. We have monthly pop up events at different venues within cincinnati. Feel free to check us out! You can find more info on on our website; Black Pearl Experience.com.

My Current DJ Residences are at Somerset OTR & Alice located in Cincinnati, Oh. which is I started a monthly series on Fridays from 5p-9p called SōL Food in 2021, which is an eclectic blend of music that was designed to feed the soul. Genres include (but are not limited to) amapiano, hip-hop, remixes, house, and R&B.

Also, I launched a new music series on November 22, 2022, called SōL Lounj. SōL Lounj will take place every 4th Tuesday of the month at Alice Bar from 7p-11p. SōL Lounj includes Vībey music (which includes hip hop,R&b, soulful house, Afrobeats) hooka, craft cocktails and biodegradable wines that are created with intention. Such as being bottled during a full moon. Both of these series are a part of my Brand called SōL House Productions I am also the owner and resident DJ. I am super excited to being sharing these series with you all!!

Everything that I am doing right now has been a part of my dream for more than a decade. I am grateful for those who have worked with me to make them come true.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Absolutely! Having a mentor and networking go hand in hand. When looking for a mentor, first you need to know what kind of mentor you are looking for. Do some research on your potential mentor. Have a set of goals in mind. I have several mentors however I think you can learn from everyone.

I took several classes at Elementz with the legendary instructor/DJ Apryl Reign. Also, I highly suggest attending meetups, and networking events, purchasing a membership to a platform, and taking a class on your craft. These are all things I have done and continue to do.

At the end of the day, remember to stay true to who you are. Whoever you would like to met or work with will happen as long as you are intentional with you craft. Meet people, build great relationships and grow! See you Sōlters soon!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://djrahd.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djrah_d/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJRahD/
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/darrah-dunn

Image Credits
33 West Studios, Logan Delape, Melanin, & Halide