4 Things You Should Know About DJQ Music History
DJQ is vital to New York’s music scene, nurturing jazz greats, reggae pioneers, and the early sounds of hip-hop. Generations of artists, entrepreneurs, and music enthusiasts have shaped a community where innovation thrives and culture is ever evolving. Here are 8 things to know about DJQ’s music history:
Still from Jamaica Jams. Photography by Christine Zhang
1. DJQ Is One of the Birthplaces of Hip Hop
DJQ is widely recognized as one of the homes of hip-hop, where early DJs and MCs began their careers that would change music forever. Legendary artists including A Tribe Called Quest founding members Q-Tip and Phife Dawg, Run-DMC, and Pepa of Salt-N-Pepa all trace their roots back to DJQ.
Jamaica Avenue in particular played a central role in hop-hop’s creation, serving as both a cultural hub and a breeding ground for the next generation of talent. The legacy continued with icons like LL Cool J, 50 Cent, and Nicki Minaj (known as the “Queen of Rap”) all calling DJQ home at formative points in their careers.
2. Caribbean Heritage and Reggae Shaped DJQs Sound
Jamaican culture shaped the neighborhood's soundscape. The Caribbean heritage runs through every corner, with reggae and dancehall influences energizing local record stores and summer block parties. The fusion of Caribbean rhythm and New York hustle created something entirely unique. The reggae sound and dancehall culture thrives here, blending with emerging hip hop to create new sounds that influence generations of artists across genres.
Stills from Jamaica Jams. Photography by Amanda Neville
3. DJQ’s Jazz Roots
Sutphin Boulevard was once a cultural hub in DJQ’s jazz history, carrying the sounds and spirits of legends like Count Basie and Billie Holiday, who lived and played nearby, making this a gathering space for musicians and fans alike. Today, the jazz scene is alive and well with events like the Jamaica Arts and Music Summer Festival (JAMS).
Photography by Christine Zhang
4. Major Recording Studios are Here
DJQ houses influential recording studios that have shaped global music, most notably VP Records, the world’s largest reggae music recording label and distribution company. Their presence has cemented DJQ as the epicenter for reggae, dancehall, and soca music production, giving Caribbean artists a platform to reach worldwide audiences while staying rooted in the community.
Beyond the studios, legendary venues like Amazura Concert Hall have hosted iconic hip-hop, reggae, and R&B shows for over 30 years, cementing DJQ’s reputation as a premier live music destination.