Women in Hip Hop: Interview with DJ Saige

Being in the Hip Hop industry is always going to be nitty and gritty no matter how the media portrays it. You will always need the hustler mentality and the love for the culture. In today’s era, we see less DJ’s across the country actually using turntables and putting in that effort. However, in New York City, you would still think it’s the 1980’s. DJ’s are still grinding and with the saturation of new artists and sounds, it seems to be a tough industry to find a role in, especially as women. But, this doesn’t stop the next great thing DJ Saige from showcasing her skills. Read about her story and why women in Hip Hop is never going to be a trend, but permanent.

The Queen Sessions: What was the first hip-hop record that made you fall in love with the genre?

DJ Saige: I would have to say Biggie’s “Juicy” really influenced my love for the culture when I was growing up. It made me feel proud to be a New Yorker. It is such a timeless record.

TQS: Who was your female icon in this field when you were growing up?

 DS: I have many female Icons, It’s hard to choose just one! Lol.  I would have to say, Aaliyah, Missy Elliot, and Rihanna.  I have looked up to them for style, work ethic, and inspiration. Although they aren’t known as “DJs”, I’m still influenced by them heavily in my career.

 

 TQS: What made you truly pursue this?

DS: My journey to pursuing a career as a DJ, kind of just happened. I’ve always had a passion for music and knew I wanted to be in the music industry. I’ve been playing piano since I was 5, so I tried to go down the road of Composition, and production, but when I discovered DJing it instantly became my love and passion without a doubt. I haven’t stopped since. I never questioned if I wanted to pursue this as a career, it just came naturally. I believe that’s what happens when you find something you love to do.

TQS: Was this always a goal career for you?

DS: I didn’t always know I wanted to be a DJ. My career goal was to be in the music industry, I just didn’t know in what field. As soon as I started DJing, I knew it would be my career!

TQS: What were some of the hardships you had to overcome before landing gigs and having your name out there?

DS: Some hardships I faced (insert thinking emoji)? When I began DJing, I always had a lot of support and love from everyone. I think I’ve faced more “hardships” now. But I’m aware of them because I have great mentors so I can try to avoid certain situations. It’s always hard being a female in a male-dominated field, but it pushes me to go harder. I channel the hardships and challenge them head on!

TQS: What is one word you would use to describe your career and why?

DS: One word to describe my career…

hmm that’s hard (laughs). I would have to say “Passion”.

TQS: Lastly, if you could give us your top 5 women in music list, who would it be?

DS: My five top women would have to be Rihanna, Aaliyah, Beyonce, Whitney Houston, and Alicia Keys.