DJ Christion
DJ Christion is currently a radio DJ at 98.7WLLD-FM in Tampa, FL. He also a member of the Terror Squad and the Turntable Assassins, a highly respected organization of DJs from around the world.
Born in the early 80's in Tampa, FL, DJ Christion has been a music lover since birth. Born to Bronx natives, the half Cuban half Puerto Rican DJ Christion has long been influenced by New York culture and music. "I remember the first time I saw a DJ live" Christion looks back, "It was at a graduation party in the Bronx". Young Christion, whose cousin was working on becoming a DJ, began taking an interest in the art form. Listening to Funkmaster Flex & DJ Kid Capri, Christion was set on mastering the turntables. Using his sister's radio, which had a record player on top, Christion would spend hours practicing scratch techniques.
At a time when Tampa urban radio only consisted of AM 1150(WTMP) and the top 40 station, 93.3 WFLZ, Christion's New York connection kept him up on what music was hot outside of his region. Using this to his advantage, Christion began making and selling his own mixtapes at the age of 15. That same year his sister purchased him his first set of turntables. Equipped with the tools of the trade, Christion practiced daily. "I would call my cousin (in NY) and scratch over the phone".
Gaining confidence and notoriety amongst his peers through his tapes and parties, Christion took his audition tape to WTMP's Big Money Ced. Ced, who would later serve as a mentor for him, forced Christion to be persistent before giving him an audition. "I was on him [Ced] for weeks after I gave him that tape". Finally his efforts paid off and Christion auditioned live for Big Money Ced and Don Carlos. "They gave me the job immediately, I was on every Wednesday night" Christion remembers. Still in high school, the young DJ quickly moved from one to five nights a week on WTMP. "I learned a lot at WTMP, I was able to build more as a DJ/Personality".
His willingness to try new records and his ear for good music landed Christion at several local nightclubs. Spinning at Studio 7, Club XS and several otherTampa hotspots, Christion was becoming a crowd favorite. Developing a microphone and club presence to go along with his turntable skills, Christion began learning how to move any kind of crowd. Rocking Hip-Hop and Reggae clubs, Christion's diverse style attracted all party goers, but it was Tampa's infamous Club XS where he'd make a great acquaintance. "I met DJ Khaled at [Club] XS when I was 17". Khaled, who was already a member of Terror Squad and a DJ on Miami's 99 Jamz, became a close friend and mentor for Christion.
Improving on his radio game, Christion remembers the working conditions at TMP. "The equipment wasn't the best" recalls Christion, "but we were free to play whatever records we wanted". Taking cue from Ced, Christion learned the importance of building and maintaining relationships. Attending The Mix Show Power Summit, Christion began networking with artists and DJs from across the country. However, Christion's run with WTMP ended when the station switched formats in 2004.
Tampa's Urban Radio even with the addition of the R&B driven 95.7 The Beat, was dominated by CBS' Wild 98.7 FM. Not wasting time, Christion immediately pursued a position at Wild. After applying for several months, maintaining his club jobs and still putting out mixcd's, Christion finally earned a spot as a DJ on Wild. Using his keen business sense, Christion began marketing himself again. "I was doing every party I could" he remembers. After a solid year at Wild, Christion threw a Birthday Bash to remember. The party which boasted guests such as, DJ Khaled, Smitty, Acafool, Cool and Dre, and Rick Ross, filled the Ybor City club to capacity that night.
February 2007, Christion teamed up with Carlos Juan and former classmate Trinity, and began promoting himself through Black Group Marketing. Well in tune with his new team, BGM gave Christion an edge over other DJs by offering him creative ways to build his name. Using full page flyers, wrapped trucks, and even a billboard near one of Tampa's busiest malls, DJ Christion was quickly becoming a household name. Summer 2007, Christion threw his second birthday bash. This year's party, whose performances included, Fat Joe, Flo Rida, DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Cool and Dre, Plies, Acafool, Trinity, Smitty, C-Ride, and Mims, also marked the release of Christion's "We Run Florida" CD. Every year Christion's Birthday Bash gets bigger and better and has become a entertainment staple in the city of Tampa!
Armed with a grocery list of affiliations, from being a member of Fat Joe's Terror Squad, Turntable Assassins, and DJ Khaled's We the Best team, Christion remains hungry. "Ambition, Loyalty, and the thought of what can be are what keep me moving". Working to expand his number of spots on radio and get booked all over the world, Christion also remains true to his street grind. Gearing up for the release of his Cadillac Crack CD series, DJ Christion continues working on being the best at his craft. "I haven't stopped grindin' since I was 16 and I'm not stoppin' anytime soon... I'm blessed to be living My Dream and I have to many goals to break!"