PRISM DJs x Rescue Skin Presents: Beyond The Turntables with DJ K-SLY
In celebration of Women's History Month, PRISM DJs has partnered with skincare company Rescue Skin for a month-long campaign (and giveaway) to highlight four amazingly-talented women and share their stories. From their experiences working in the male-dominated music industry and women empowerment to their skincare routine and the pressures of working in an environment that requires putting their best face forward, we are thrilled to feature these inspiring women.
This week, we present DJ K-SLY:
Internationally renowned and an all-around badass, K-SLY is credited as the first Asian female DJ with a long list of accomplishments as a DJ, media personality, and host.
K-SLY’s career started in college as DJ and on-air personality at DB92. She went on to Atlanta's Hot 107.9 (formerly 97.5), where she co-hosted daily from 6 pm-10 pm with actor/rapper Ludacris (Christopher Bridges) and worked with rapper/producer Lil Jon; and broke multiple southern acts. She later took her talent to the west coast with an opportunity at Hot 97.5 in Las Vegas, NV, and Los Angeles, where she spent part of her childhood and, at 100.3 The Beat.
Make sure to check out K-Sly’s photo cameos on FX Network’s Hip-Hip Uncovered, Episode 4 released on February 2021.
In Los Angeles, K-SLY transitioned from radio to TV as co-host and DJ for the internationally syndicated show Dance 360 with Kel Mitchell and Fredro Star. She was also the first season announcer and DJ for Steve Harvey's Big Time. She then competed in the first nationally televised DJ competition, Smirnoff's Master of the Mix (season 2), where she survived 6 of 7 rounds, and is the only woman standing.
K-SLY has interviewed a slew of entertainers, including Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Common, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, Kendrick Lamar, Damian Marley, Pharrell, Snoop Dogg, and the late Rick James.
Her current projects include her blog Beats and Babies and private DJ lessons for aspiring children and adults. Here's K-SLY in her own words:
When did you start your career as a DJ?
It was all a dream. I really did read Word Up! Magazine. I started dabbling in it in high school but started getting serious and paid in college.
What genre of music do you spin?
For most of my career, of course, I spun rap since DJing is an element of Hip-Hop culture, R&B, reggae, and soul classics.
What/who inspired you to become a DJ?
When I was a kid, [the music video] Push It came on TV, and I saw Spinderella. Then, Jam Master Jay appeared on the next video, and the seed was planted.
When you're not at the turntables, where can we find you?
I'm a mommy to my four and five-year-old kids. I thought that DJing was the most fulfilling gift in my life until I had them.
When did you start caring for your skin?
Around 12, I'd sneak into my mom's arsenal.
Who was your first skinfluencer? (Whoever taught you how to care for your skin: Mom, sister, aunt, friend, actor, etc.)
100% my mom. She always told me to take care of my skin because you can either speed up or slow down aging skin. The first memory of my mom caring for her skin was around 7 or 8. She had cucumbers underneath her eyes and always massaged her face with Pond's cold cream.
What skin product (besides sunscreen) can you not live without? (Toner, moisturizer, serum)
Now that I'm older, serum. Eye cream and moisturizer are just as important, but a true serum goes deeply into the skin and changes the cells.
What makeup product is always in your gig bag when DJing an event?
Lip balm! I'm always munching on my lips, especially before a gig. Totally dry them out.
Beauty means many things. What does it mean to you?
Beauty is looking beyond someone's flaws and being kind (not a doormat). At times it can be challenging.
How do you empower others through your work?
I'm an empath. So, when I DJ, I feel everyone's energy, especially women. I always try to lift the vibrations and make people forget their stresses for that moment.
👇Make sure to check out K-SLY’s exclusive mix for Rescue Skin & Prism DJs!