Daily Inspiration: Meet Troy Reaves

Today we’d like to introduce you to Troy Reaves.  

Hi Troy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
First off, I would like to thank Voyage Magazine for this interview. 

My name is Troy Reaves, and I am from Cleveland, Ohio. I am the youngest of two. I am a 2016 graduate of Wilberforce University (Da WU), majoring in Mass Media Communications. My story took a ways to get here. I’m glad that Allah give you ears so you can hear. I’ve always loved music my mom would serenate the airwaves with Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, The Isley Brothers, and others every Saturday. My Father would play 2pac, Master P and No Limit, and The Beastie Boys every time I was with him, I was even surprised he like Nirvana and other Rock artist which inspired me to listen to other genres. Now, my sister, she would always play Gangsta Boo (R.I.P), Three 6 Mafia, and Project Pat. Through these experiences, I knew I would love music, it became my best friend, and I would search for way to closely connect with it. As I grew my mental musical library expanded too! By this time, I was listening to DJ Drama, Linkin Park, Finger 11, P.O.D, Roy Ayers, Swisha House, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, Al Hirt, Donald Byrd, Gap Band, and Earth, Wind, and Fire just to name a few. 

When I got to school and touched a turntable for the first time, I knew what I was called here to do! I’ll always be grateful to Brandon (Brooklyn) for bringing his turntables to Da WU; had he not, I would have not been able to have this interview with you. I’m 13 years in the game going strong. Thus, by far has been the greatest journey I’ve been on. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Great question; I will say that my journey hasn’t been a smooth road at one point, I wanted to quit because I had no knowledge of the business side of things. In most cases, I was selling myself short. I would DJ hours and hours on end just to make enough for a bucket of chicken. I spent many nights upset and frustrated due to the fact that I loved my craft so much that people hated paying up. Over time, I got smart, and with the support system of a few close friends, I understood how contracts can change a conversation up. I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything in the world; I look at my DJ equipment as if it were my girl. 

Thank you, WB, for helping me throughout the years! 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I think of myself as Clark Kent, businessman in the Day and superhero at night giving the people a vibe they can enjoy throughout the night. To go more in-depth, currently, I am a teacher assistant for St. Benedict the Moor Catholic School and DJ at night. My days are extremely long, but I enjoy making my students and adults smile day and night. I stay in my own lane; I don’t look for things that sets me apart from others. 

My proudest moment as a teacher assistant was hosting a Spelling Bee. It was a great experience seeing the students studying and fully engaged in learning. 

My proudest moment as a DJ happened when I DJed my first Division-1 Basketball Game, Northern Kentucky University vs the University of Cincinnati. I had so many butterflies that night, but the crowd and energy was on fire that night. By far one of the greatest nights of my life. 

I’m also the Owner of an Organic Apple Juice Brand “Juice,” along with owning my entertainment service “DJPrettyBoyTroy Entertainment Services” with lastly, I have a shoe store “Shoe Klub.” 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Since being here in Dayton (2009), I attended Wilberforce University, practically spending my adult years here, but wherever I am and wherever the wind may blow me CLEVELAND will always be home for me! 

Dayton is the funk capital of the world; I’ll forever love it here. I enjoy riding through the streets listening to the sweet funk sounds that started right here! 

Dayton has welcomed me with open arms, and I greatly appreciate it too; I understand why Dayton is titled the “GEM CITY”; you literally have to go out and find things to do. Dunbar Day is something that always stand out to me! The food here is delicious, the vendors always finding new meals to make me spend my money! The culture is rich here; I enjoy seeing the residents displaying their school pride. Dayton might be small to some eyes, but Dayton is also full of many surprises. 

Few things I don’t like about Dayton: 

It still feels segregated, like the black people don’t really come downtown, which is slightly odd to me. In other cities, Downtown is always the place to be. With it also being such a small city, everything closes early, which at times irritate me, especially when I am hungry. The nightlife can be better; it’s not much creativity, most clubs/bars compete with each other by doing the same events on the same night, which gets boring. 

I can say Dayton has definitely molded me to man I am today; without the 937, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @DJPrettyBoyTroy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/troyreaves1991/
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-690028242

Image Credits
_.nolovemari