Meet DJ Ricco Savage

How did you get started as a DJ?

My dad and uncles are all DJs, so I grew up immersed in music. As a kid, I would beatbox my dad’s mixes and no one would understand what I was doing, except my Dad, because they were his beats. Around age 16, I started experimenting with my dad’s old turntables and later with an electric DJ controller he got. He taught me the basics, and I treated it as a fun hobby. During high school and early college, it was just for fun until a college party revealed my talent. I began taking it seriously after college, got my own DJ controller and laptop, and started creating mixes and DJing at more events.

Where do you go for inspiration?

When I am DJing, I feel like I’m in my happy place. Like when I’m doing my thing and I’m bobbing my head, feeling the music and the people are bobbing with me, I feel like I’m like fucking Superman so I guess that’s where I get inspiration. Seeing people enjoy my music. The crowd reactions the crowd vibrations. The people is really what makes the party fun for me. I love it when I’m playing my favorite song and they act a fucking fool!

If you could tour with one artist from past or present as their DJ, who would that be and why?

Of course Beyonce! But I am going to give you three.

Michael Jackson – Because of his level of showmanship.
Doechii – Love her story of fighting her way to the top.
Megan Thee Stallion – because we are both savages!

What’s the theme song to your life?

My happy song would be,
A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton

Fck it up song…
Savage – Meg Thee Stallion & Beyonce

What’s a must have item in your DJ bag that someone might find surprising?

Gummy Bears!

Haribo Gummy Bears is my current choice.
Sometimes gum but I have to have something to chew on.
Another brand of gummies I like is Alabanese. They have this exotic flavor pack that is so good!

What’s one piece of advice you wish you would have received when you first started DJing?

Don’t take anything personal. Whether it’s promoters lowballing you or a crowd not entirely feeling your set, you can’t please everyone all the time. Some might not like a song, but if the majority are enjoying it, focus on them. You’ll get requests and opinions, but remember, people are who they are. Just show up and give your best with what you’ve got.