DJ Raphael is from the South side of Chicago – Morgan Park. 2023 makes it forty-two years for him as a DJ. He is not a stepper or House Music DJ and subscribes to no particular genre. He started off as a DJ, and he can hold his crowd for five hours no matter the genre, whether it is House, Funk, Stepping, Hip Hop, R&B, or Reggae. DJ Raphael played in 3Gs for years, Mr. Gs for thirteen years, and the Someplace Else on Wednesdays for seven years.
What inspired you to become a DJ?
There were a few radio stations in Chicago – WBMX and V103. One particular year – I guess I was in the 7th or 8th grade – they were playing a record by a group called Cinnamon, and the track was called “Thanks to You.” I took my grass-cutting money or allowance – wherever the money came from- and proceeded to a local record store called Reese’s Records on 109th and Halsted and purchased that record.
I came back the next week after hearing something else, and the owner of the store, DJ Reese, said, “Man, you have a keen ear for music. How did you come up with these couple of cuts you wanted?” And I told him, “I just like them.” From that point, he started teaching me the craft. Starting in the 7th – 8th grade DJ Reese had me sneaking out on weekends to deejay at clubs at the age of 13,14,15.
What has your experience taught you about music?
It has taught me what the universal language of music is and was meant to be. We could not exist without music.
Was there a time in your journey when you were known as a stepping DJ?
Absolutely. I got interested in steppers music after listening to my sound guy at the time. His name was Les Richmond. He played a lot of steppers music along with DJ Reese. There were a few steppers events that I was able to partake in. It was just extremely interesting to listen to and see the style of music and the style of dance. And keep in mind that there were no counts at this point in time. But it was very interesting, especially the music. It wasn’t the regular run of new music. I was always hearing a B-side. It just became extremely interesting to me.
What do you mean by B-side?
A B-side is generally a record that you never hear on the mainstream, on the radio, seven days a week. A B-side is primarily 90% of the stepper music you listen to. It’s a B-side because it’s not a top-10 record.
Who are some DJs that inspired you in the stepping community, and how did they inspire you?
Absolutely, 100% DJ Reese and Les Richmond; of course, I’ve mentioned both. They are underrated DJs. Woodie McNeal. I used to go and listen to her at Mr. G’s. Rose Wellington and Woodie McNeal would straight destroy that crowd. I mean, she fascinated me. DJ Sam Chatman, of course, at East of the Ryan. I learned so, so much from him. Steve Breeze, definitely – RIH. All over Chicago, Steve was phenomenal. DJ Don – RIH, DJ Willy Cotton, Jimmy Lee – RIH. There are so many, but I would go out even by myself and listen to these guys play. They were phenomenal DJs.
If there is one unforgettable sense of accomplishment for you in your time as a DJ, what would it be?
Being a part of DJ World before social media was created and being known state-to-state simply by word of mouth.
What are three lessons that you would want to pass down to other DJs who look up to you and respect your work?
- Never forget where you started because we all started from the bottom.
- Stay updated on technology.
- Most importantly, always play from your heart.
Those are the three.
How has technology in the music world made a difference to you? Did you embrace the change or want to keep it in the crates?
If you came from turntables, it was hard to get away from carrying a thousand records and 200-pound crates. It was hard to get away from that. But I think every DJ had to at that time. We had to because it was moving so fast, and we saw it moving fast. If you had not moved with it, you would get left behind.
When do you feel or believe you played your best night as a DJ? What are the signs?
Your crowd. When you get so many compliments from people, that look, that eyebrow raised from certain people, and that head shake that says, “Man, you are doing it!” That does it for me.
Tell us about a lesson you had to learn the hard way coming up as a DJ.
There are so many. To expound on just one, I guess a good one would be about sound systems. As a DJ, check your sound system in advance, even if it is your own sound. I guess for up-and-coming DJs, even if you’re not setting up your own sound system, get there early enough to check the sound system because people will flaw or bungle the sound system. Many people call themselves sound men, but they are really not. In other words, the sound is very important.
As a precaution, get there early. Yes, sometimes sound problems may not be the DJ’s fault. For any DJ, the sound may go off, the power could shut down, and sometimes there is a glitch in the electrical system in the building. That can shut your entire system down. Still, it never fails to take precautions to get there early, check your sound system out, and ensure you are dealing with credible soundmen.
What is a single tip of advice for a DJ – whether it is someone new who wants to become a DJ; someone from another genre who wants to become a stepping DJ; or a DJ who wants to master his craft?
Obtain the history of whatever type of music you’re playing. If you want to become a stepper DJ, find out where it originated. Find out the DJs that broke all the hot records that are out – meaning the records that are the hard-to-find cuts. Not necessarily these new records, because I mean they’re fly-by-nights. But find out about the records that have lasted 20-30 years. Find out who broke those records. Where did those songs come from? Find out who the artists are. That type of thing. And get out here and listen to DJs. Don’t get stuck on yourself to think you’re too good to go and listen to another DJ and critique because it’s an art form. We, as DJs, should go out and support other jocks. It takes a long time. You gotta be out here.
Can you name one of those records – the 20-to-30-year records you just described?
Gene Dunlap – Before You Break My Heart. It’s what we call an automatic. People will jump up no matter when or where you play it.
Of all the things, what do you want steppers not to forget about DJ Raphael?
The fact that, as a DJ, I played for the crowd. And I love for that crowd to know that I will not play the same music everyone else has played. It’s such a compliment to me when people call me now and say, “When are you coming back to Chicago? We miss “your” music. We are tired of hearing the same songs over and over again.
Do you ever react to that request to return to Chicago?
Absolutely. Whenever I get that chance. Whenever I’m requested, I’m there.
DJ Raphael will be back in Chicago this month – April 2023 – as “the legendary Chicago DJ” for DJ Black Cool’s 50th Birthday party on April 22.
DJ Raphael from Chicago and His Crew
Certain DJs have crews. My crew consists of Dee Jay Alicia, a top House DJ in Chicago who is also worldwide. DJ Black Cool is definitely a top steppers DJ in Chicago and worldwide. Also, DJ Porter – RIP, and DJ Reese. DJ Phil, although he doesn’t DJ anymore. They are phenomenal. DJ Butter. DJ Boogie in Atlanta, DJ Pretty Tony, and Jay Boogie in Chicago. That’s to name a few phenomenal DJs. All stand-up DJs. I have some extremely phenomenal deejays in this crew.
Anthony Warfield
As I read the article, I feel honored to be a part of this historical period. DJ Raphael is a Mentor among the greats. Raphael and Leslie Richmond taught me a great deal in the industry of DJing and Entertainment.
When you work side by side with your DJ Partner(s); Mentor, best friend, significant other, or whatever the relationship is; the experiences are legendary, especially after seeing the evolution of Technology in DJ’ing.
Thank you for your tutelage.
Stephanie Napier
well, well, well, we learn more about DJ Ralpheal as the decades pass. What I know about DJ Raphael is that he researches different artists and incorporates sounds and melodies at multiple venues. One thing we all have in common is MUSIC. It’s a universal language; we ALL understand. Now that he has exposed what inspires him, we understand what makes him so versatile and proficient. “Thank to you”, Cinnamon , I dedicate to you for being a knowledgeable and dedicated to the us, music lovers!
Dj Mixologist
Only thing I can say is that this is well said by him . He helped me through with a lot of things I didn’t know and I take my hat off to him. I have become a way better Dj. I learned the craft on my own without a mentor but I can truly say he’s been a mentor to me and a brother from another mother. I can go on and on but will not. Thanks Raphael for all you have taught me.