Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Chops.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Galveston, Texas, Music has been part of my life from the very beginning. As a kid, I was active in both school and church choirs, which laid the foundation for my ear and passion. By the time I reached high school, I was engulfed in one of the best eras of music in Texas. SUC, Swishahouse, Rap a Lot records all were at the heights of there existence in the late 90s early 2000s. Dj Screw (R.I.P.) Watts (R.I.P.) and OG Ron C had mixtapes everywhere. Being on the outskirts of Houston I realized we didn’t have our mixtape kings Gcounty was missing something and I wanted to fill the void. I started developing a real interest in DJing. That curiosity quickly turned into action—I began creating slow jam mixtapes under the title “Sumthin You Smash To,” which helped me build an early audience and sharpen my creative instincts.
Making mixtapes pushed me deeper into the music space, leading me into songwriting and production. After a short run as a recording artist, I realized my strengths were better suited behind the scenes and on the tables. I shifted my focus to DJing events, curating experiences, and developing records from the ground up.
In the early 2000s, I co-founded Southstar Entertainment, a music and video production company, and launched Southstar DJs, a network of mobile DJs. Through those ventures, I established myself as a respected name in the Houston and Galveston markets. During the 2010s, I became part of “Swagga Thursdays” at Bikini Beach, one of Houston’s premier nightlife events, where I continued to build my brand and industry relationships.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with and share platforms alongside artists like Bun B, Wale, Gorilla Zoe, Maino, Trina, Juvenile, Lil Flip, Z-Ro, Trae, Pretty Ricky, and many others—both established and independent. I’ve also hosted Street Flava, a Houston-based TV show highlighting the top ten music videos of the week, further expanding my presence in media and artist development.
Today, my focus is on songwriting, production, and artist management. I also have increased my network of mentors highlighted by Grammy nominated producers D. Bottz and Christopher Thornton & the Frontrunners also Dj HollyGrove and Dj Mankind. I currently serve as Co-Founder and CEO of Southstar Music Group, a Houston-based record label dedicated to developing talent and creating impactful records. I’m building a sound that blends modern hip-hop energy with strong R&B influence, positioning my artists for both cultural relevance and long-term success. My executive team consists of myself, Dj Husky, Myoshi Mona and Jim Hilton. We currently have award winning R&B artist Nicole Lundy. Jeabriie Rielle who’s emerging quickly as a R&B artist in the Houston and New Orleans area. Our newest artist Canda’ce is one of the hottest female MCs in Houston,
I’m also working as a writer with three of the former Majic 102’s open mic contest winners Emani sings, Tdash , and Bri Will.
Looking ahead, I’m preparing to release a compilation project featuring songwriting and production from my team and collaborators. This next chapter is about elevating the brand, breaking new talent, and solidifying Southstar Music Group as a force in the industry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Becoming a established Dj from Galveston was all about being ready. Every time me and my partner Dj Huskey got called we showed up and killed it. And one opportunity turned into another then we were booked every weekend. So much then we had to split to cover the bookings. My biggest opportunities came from being prepared. There was adversity the old heads didn’t want to let us in the clubs but we pushed through and became “the guys” when it came to the top Djs anywhere down 45 South. As far as the music industry it.has changed significantly multiple times in my lifetime. The challenges of my journey have been keeping up with constant changes. Consumption. Distribution and social marketing are the biggest of my obstacles. I came from a time where local artist had cassette tapes to pass out music. I saw some of our legends sell cds out the trunk. As a Dj i received numerous cds from artists who are now established. Fastforward we are now in the streaming and social media era. Everyone’s musical palettes are more diverse because the music is accessible. The process of being seen or heard over the noise is the biggest challenge.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Southstar Music Group is a record label and entertainment company. We have a collection of specialist in multiple areas. Artist management, Artist development. Songwriting Production Style&fashion and we intend to grow and service more areas. The Southstar brand was initially amplified by the DJs of the collective. The foundation of what we started out as continues to hold weight in our community it’s what we are known for. However the emergence of the two R&B artists and the energy of our new rap artist brings definitely places a spotlight on our talent development and artist management. The brand Southstar Music Group is entertainment period.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up in Galveston I felt lucky. I was across the street and in the same subdivision of some of the most infamous neighborhoods. My Grandma’s house was on 28th street in Galveston an area known as the crooked split if you know you know. I was there everyday after school outside playing but I never saw or got involved into the street culture of the area. Meanwhile when my parents got off from work and took me home I was in South Acres west Texas City. I saw a lil more activity there but charge it to my parents and family I knew better and stayed clear of all gang activity. My personality was obnoxious I loved to play and laugh sort of like a jokster. As I grew into the phase of liking girls I became a hopeless romantic writing poems and mastering the element of the conversation. “Conversation rules the nation”. My summers were spent at carver park all day playing basketball and playing video gamers and talking on the phone with girls all night it was a time.. basketball football and music was all I cared about. In order to have the freedom my parents had a standing order, grades come first and I happily complied. School was easy for me because I liked to learn. I was in the city spelling bee in 3rd grade representing my school. I was in advanced classes since 2nd grade My parents were both hard working individuals. both of them were entrepreneurs who started other businesses outside of there day to day jobs. I can honestly say that spirit came straight to me from them. My siblings actually were very accomplished musically performing in choirs and singing solos in churches all across the county. So again I was blessed and influenced at an early age with music from my brother and sister.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Photographer : Bennie Dub (@benniedubpromotions)
Stylist : Myoshi Allen (@iam_myoshimona_fashionstylist)
