Barbados Very Own DJ Puffy

He’s the hottest DJ from Barbados. His name is DJ Puffy! Born André Paris on November 20, 1991, DJ Puffy has mastered the art of deejaying in clubs and on the radio. Puffy has performed at almost every major event in Barbados including Sundance, and much more which we discussed during his interview below. DJ Puffy has performed in front of major artists such as J.Cole, Rihanna, Busta Rhymes, and Trinidad James. Puffy was destined to become a DJ. due to his undeniable talent, Matthew “Fewwture” Ashby signed him to his agency, Dream Real Projects. Since then, Puffy has been booked for shows back to back. His fans notice him off stage, and he enjoys providing them with great mixes. Currently, DJ Puffy holds down a spot at Sugar Ultra Lounge in Barbados, and you can hear him on one of the hottest radio stations, Slam 101.1 FM.

Read the rest of the interview below to find out DJ Puffy’s upcoming projects.

 

Sierra: How did it feel when you won the 2016 Red Bull Tournament?

DJ Puffy: It was phenomenal ! Unexplainable at times when I relive the moment. I’ve never felt that way before.

Sierra: You have performed in front of major celebrities such as Amber Rose, Rihanna, and J.Cole. Have you ever worked with either of them? If so, what was that experience like? What other major artists have you worked with?

DJ Puffy: They’re all cool people. I haven’t worked with them as of yet, but I would definitely love to. However, being around them was a great experience. I’ve also shared stages & booths with Fabolous, Busta Rhymes, J.R Smith, Justin Bieber, Lewis Hamilton, and Trinidad James. We brought Omarion here for the first time a couple of years back. It was dope. He really enjoyed his time here! My good friend Shantonio from Jamaica and I we worked on Popcaan’s remix projects together. I’ve also worked with almost every major artist from Barbados, so that’s a blessing as well.

 

Sierra: What artists would you like to work with that you haven’t worked with and why?

DJ Puffy: Rihanna especially! PartyNextDoor, Drake, Wizkid, Diplo, Walshy Fire, Skrillex, Busy Signal, Vybz Kartel, Charly Black, Sean Paul & Rupee. I’m currently working on a remix project for Machel Montano.

 

Sierra: How did you get signed to Dream Real Projects? How long have you been with this agency?

DJ Puffy: My manager and I actually created this agency. We decided to form this together. Dream Real was initially born to facilitate my career seven years ago.

Sierra: What made you want to become a DJ in the first place? What struggles or trials did you have to go through to become the successful DJ you are today?

DJ Puffy: This career kind of just fell into my lap. I guess it was destined to happen Lol. It started as a hobby and then I began to make money from it. To summarize the story I basically fell into a tight spot when the government announced that they were raising tuition prices. I then had to make a major decision in life. Pay for school which would not allow me to successfully take care of my family, or make the sacrifice so that my younger brothers and mother could have a decent life. I chose them and never looked back since. I do plan to finish my International Business Management degree in the future.

 

Sierra: You like to mix Caribbean genres with hit records. So how did your mix “Prime Time” get so popular? Why do you feel it received so much popularity?

DJ Puffy: “Prime Time” is just that. With a huge focus on new music from around the world, it is so diverse that anyone can listen to the mix and hear something that they think is cool. I love to educate people and introduce new music. I’m also a crowd pleaser. So, you can find a bit of everything in each release. I believe that is why it grew so quickly.

 

Sierra: You were a part of the inaugural Caribbean DJ Honors in Tobago in 2012. What was that moment like for you in your career?

DJ Puffy: That was an amazing moment in my career. I was still very young at the time, but to be able to represent my country at such a young age was definitely a blessing.

 

Sierra: Was it hard crossing over to the Trinidad market? What’s the craziest party you ever performed at?

DJ Puffy: Trinidad is a tough market to get into as an outsider. However, as I made friends across the islands, I found myself being exposed to more and more opportunities. Networking is key in life. In Trinidad, the craziest party I ever performed at was just a couple weeks ago when my friend Trevlyn invited me on stage at TRIBE ICE. 6,000 people were there, and they all embraced me as soon as I made the appearance. It was dope!

 

Sierra: How did you get the gig R.E.D. on Antigua?

DJ Puffy: R.E.D was one of my first if not the first gig I had in Antigua. The promoters saw me online and decided to get in contact with my management.

 

Sierra: When and why did you get on with Sugar Ultra Lounge?

DJ Puffy: My manager was approached by the owner of Sugar Ultra Lounge to work as an entertainment manager. As a true manager should, he roped me in, and we developed what was then the biggest weekly Thursday night party ever in Barbados.

 

Sierra: What is it like having a slot on Slam 101.1 FM? What is it that you want your fans to hear when they listen to your mixes?

DJ Puffy: Slam 101.1FM is one of the best stations in the region. Next to Power 95.1FM in Grenada, SLAM offers a state of the art studio and sound, with high definition quality. As a professional, I am more than comfortable when I am working. This is key. When people listen to my mixes, they get a taste of my personality, musicality a lot of energy!

 

Sierra: Name five of your favorite mixes and why?

DJ Puffy: 1 – 2c (Craze & Four Color Zack) – PT 2 >> A superb mix of my favorite tracks, unreleased tracks, trap remixes & humor from two of my favorite DJs.

2 – Eskei 83 – Pull Up >> Eskei is another one of my favorite DJs of all time. Anything he puts out is dope. This is his latest release.

3 – Dj Puffy – Prime Time Live #20 >> I put a lot of my favorite songs in this mix of mine Lol.

4 – Jester, Barrie Hype, Dr. Jay & Crown Prince – Supa Soca >> One of the coolest Soca mix series with some dope remixes and exclusives by some of the best in the soca game.

5 – Scratch Master – Shellings Mix >> Scratch Master is one of my mentors. He taught me a lot coming up in the DJ world. I work with him and listen to his mixes most of the time. He also masters all of my tracks, so he is normally the first to play them other than myself in these mixes.

Honorable Mention: Any Chromatic Mixtape >> Dancehall Juggling at its finest! Chromatic is one of the most charismatic sound systems of all time. If you’re into Dancehall & Reggae, do not sleep on these guys.

 

Sierra: Do you have any mentors or anyone that guided you to get where you are at today?

DJ Puffy: I learn from everyone around me but some of my major mentors (directly & indirectly) include Scratch Master, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Skratch Bastid, Z-Trip, Eskei 83, DJ Nu-Mark, DJ Flipout, DJ Byte, Diplo, Jay-Z, Rihanna, DJ Fuzz, Peter Coppin, DJ Daddy Bubbles, DMZ, Simply Smooth, DJ Private Ryan & the list goes “on and on and on and!” (Biggie Voice)

 

Sierra: Tell me about your past events such as Climaxx: Eruption of Colors (Boston), Sundance (Barbados), and Aura Experience Launch Party (Barbados)?

 

DJ Puffy: I always try to bring the most energy to all my events. Specifically, AURA is the premium band of Barbados when it comes to our Crop Over Festival. Crop Over is what we call our Carnival, and previously we’ve hosted celebrities like Rihanna, Anya Ayoung Chee, Lewis Hamilton & Trinidad James. HYPD (pronounced HYPED) is a new project of mine which was launched last year. It is a festival like an event held on the Tuesday before our actual Crop Over Day that caters to music lovers from around the world. It is also the most affordable large event of the season. This year it will be held on August 1st.

 

Sierra: Now you have over 40,000 followers on Instagram. Do you often get noticed off stage? How do you interact with your fans and crowd?

DJ Puffy: I do get noticed off stage. I embrace anyone who approaches me. So whether it’s a photo or short conversation, I am always fine with interacting with the people who support me.

 

Sierra: How do you prepare for major events and tournaments? How often do you practice at home?

DJ Puffy: I try to practice at least 2-3 times a day for at least 2 hours each when I am at home. If on tour, I try to always prepare new sets and come up with new ideas so I can attempt to execute them when I get close to some turntables. Preparation for tournaments or competitions calls for a bit more isolation and focus, which would ultimately take more time.

 

Sierra: Is there a lot of competition in Barbados amongst DJ’s? Do you feel you have competition? Why or Why not?

DJ Puffy: I believe that no matter the territory every Artist or DJ has their own lane. We just need to be able to define that lane and stay in it. I don’t feel like I’m in competition with anyone naturally. I’ve embraced my specific journey, and I am enjoying it!

 

Sierra: What equipment do you use for your shows?

DJ Puffy: I like to use Pioneer PLX 1000 Turntables & the Pioneer DJM S9 mixer.

 

Sierra: What do you do when you are not deejaying?

DJ Puffy: I enjoy Water Sports, Exercise, Producing, Business meetings, Philanthropy.

Sierra: Advice for aspiring DJs?

DJ Puffy: Remain humble. Be yourself. Believe in yourself. Invest in yourself &seek advice, knowledge, and feedback from others.

Sierra: Can you tell me about some of your upcoming projects? What can fans expect next from Dee Jay Puffy?

DJ Puffy: Original tracks and EPs to be released very soon! Merchandise & fashion collaborations. New methods of charity.

 

Follow DJ Puffy’s social media outlets.

Instagram: DJ Puffy

Twitter: DEEJAYPUFFY

Facebook: DJPuffy246

SoundCloud: DJPuffyBarbados