A trailblazing DJ who emerged from a NYC neighborhood that was vital to the history of rap and hip hop, Missy Bolds aka DJ Missy B has become a fan favorite beatmaster for girls and boys alike in neighborhoods across the world. This week, she’s a star of New York Black Pride!
Thotyssey: Hello, Missy! You’re gonna be real busy these next few weeks, but how has your summer been so far?
DJ Missy B: Booked and blessed!
Who can ask for anything more? Looking back at your whole career, have you had one all time favorite gig, or DJ moment?
Playing at Coney Island the first time–the energy, the smiles, and the dancing. Also, the second time playing for Queens Pride parade when I had to play Spanish music and didn’t know the words to the songs. But I know beats!
She’s got the beat! What does a Missy B night usually sound like, as far as genres or artists or BPM, etc.?
Depending on the crowd, I play across the board: R&B, hip hop, afrobeat / house. Tempo: I usually start with r&b–classics, sing alongs, 90’s-early 2000), 97-100–then transition to a lil’ hip hop/ r&b / reggae / afrobeat / calypso, 100-124. Then house, 124 and up.
Sounds like a good night to me! Where are you from originally, and was music always a part of your life?
Born in NYC–Hollis, Queens. The only female DJ [from that scene]! I started in 1978, DJing in my basement and progressed to DJing in Hollis Park where [legendary pioneering rap group and Hollis natives] Run DMC performed. I DJ’ed with [Run DMC DJ] Jam Master Jay in his garden, and did the neighborhood parties.
In ’88/ ’89, I joined BWP–Bytches with Problems–who were signed with Def Jam. I worked at BUDS Distribution while going to school, and at Unique Music Distribution. I always had the new music (promos). I did some remixes via Big Mama Records, distributed by BUDS and AV8.
What was that time like, recording and touring with BWP? And were queer rappers of that era ever out, even in a limited capacity?
Recording was fun; Lyndah the lead rapper was inspired by Millie Jackson, and was raw before Lil Kim. I didn’t tour too much, as I was enrolled in college.
People’s personal lives were not exposed at that time–undercover on both male and female. Record companies didn’t even want them to say they had a boyfriend / girlfriend.
BWP’s biggest hit was “2 Minute Brother,” (the guys were offended, lol). [Closeted men in rap] had to prove their “machismo.” Big shoutout to Mark Sexx, Shah and Ed Lover of Yo MTV Raps.
Did you have to fight for respect as a female DJ in that early scene, or did you have it right away?
In Hollis, no–we all grew up together and knew each other. Outside of the area, yes. They couldn’t believe a female could DJ. But I proved myself by rocking other people’s events! I think when Rahzel (beat box of The Roots) and myself rocked Jamaica Park, people took notice.
We sadly lost Jam Master Jay in 2002, but do you ever run into or communicate with Run or DMC today?
Yes, very tragic! I see DMC every now and then when he pops up, usually at Hollis Day. Run, I haven’t seen him in years. I saw Russell [Simmons] a couple of years ago when he was filming by JMJ Portrait on 205th St and Hollis Ave.
Did you ever meet or work with Salt n’ Pepa?
Yes, I met them at a roller skating event. They had just signed with their label, and closed the show. Then after BWP signed with Def Jam, we all went to various “industry events” along with MC Lyte, Latifah, etc. After BWP lost their second album (it was shelved), I just started doing parties–DJing for the gay boys and girl. Then started promoting events and DJing, out of state and in different countries. And I’m still here!
So much has changed over the years with nightlife in the city… venues and trends have come and gone. Is there a NYC venue you miss the most?
My favorite was the Warehouse in the Bronx: “Club Speed” (Mister Cee) on the lower level, “The Shelter” on upper level. Funkmaster Flex’s Club was a lil’ scary, lol, but at times it was definitely a drive by depending on who was performing.
These days, some DJs complain that the audiences are too disconnected from the music (playing with their phones, being antisocial, etc.) or that they want to treat the DJ like Spotify with their requests. What are your own observations on the state of nightlife today, as far as folks being into it? And are older audiences “better” than younger folks in that respect?
Damn near everyone’s phones are out! Some ask for requests. The kids like to dance for TikTok purposes. Caribbeans will dance on songs they like. Afrobeat / Spanish, they definitely dance. Americans 25-30ish dance in intervals. Grown folks will be two stepping; they like to hear familiar music. House music is full of energy and self-expression. I don’t do too much EDM, but have been to a few parties: total non-stop energy.
There’s hope for us still!
So there are still big Pride events happening this summer–including New York’s 27th Annual Black Pride, which is this week. You’ll be spinning a bunch of events for that. Let’s talk about them all, starting with: “Ignite” at The Penthouse on Wednesday! That’s gonna be a Black Pride Weekend opener featuring yourself and DJ Brown Liquah in the booth.
I’m on the Board for Black Pride; it’s the first time I’m playing for the opener. It should be fun, I’m opening 10pm to midnight… I have work the next day. I never DJ’ed with Brown, but I’m sure the boys will enjoy the late night!
On Friday night, you’ll be at your next venue: Absolutto in The Bronx. This will be Black Pride’s official women’s party. What’s that venue like?
It’s a restaurant with great space, great food and hookah, covered outside seating and a nice sound system–newly renovated and opened in June of last year! A Hispanic mother and daughter purchased it.
Then Saturday night, you’ll be aboard the Circle Line for the Black Pride Ride!
Yes that’s James Saunders‘ [party]; it’s sold out! Always a great time! DJ Sedrick and Frankie Paradise on the upper level with house and classics, and me downstairs by myself playing everything.
And then the main event is the Coney Island “Pride at the Beach” party, Sunday starting at noon!
Yes. A little different this year… we won’t be on the boardwalk. But still a good location!
It’ll be glorious! You’re also doing Atlanta Black Pride at the end of the month. Do you get to play in that city often?
I started with the boys 20-plus years ago; then I played for the girls. I play when I feel like going down there, but Pride is always fun.
Is there anything else coming up for you that you?
I’m going to Tennessee for a women’s retreat at the end of September. My Birthday party is October 13th at Slate, 5pm to midnight with DJs Craig Nice, DoughBoy and DJ Wonder Woman.
Very exciting! Okay lastly: what has been your personal Song of the Summer… new or throwback or whatever?
R&B: “Million Dollar Baby.” House: “That’s Hot Remix.” Hip hop: “Not Like Us.”
Happy Pride, Missy!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ Missy B’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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