DJ Bizzy B
Reclaiming a Lost Dream Behind the Decks
CCI Session 3 2025
Growing up in the Bay Area, DJ Bizzy B was surrounded by music. The sound of hyphy (a high-energy Bay Area hip-hop genre that emerged in the early 2000s) filled his neighborhood, and many of his friends were making tracks and building buzz. Music was always something that inspired him, but he never knew how to pursue it. Without access to equipment or guidance, it remained a distant dream. “I never thought that I could really do this when I was younger,” he shared.
When he stepped into Give a Beat’s Prison Electronic Music Program, something long buried began to reawaken. At first, he was quiet and reserved, keeping to himself as he got acclimated. But the turning point came during a DJ demo by Teaching Artist Esseance, who blended classic hyphy with house music. That moment sparked a connection to his roots—and to possibility. He began to see DJing not only as an outlet, but as a way to express who he is.
As he became more comfortable at the decks, DJ Bizzy B’s confidence started to show. The quiet reserve he carried at the beginning began to fade as he opened up with peers, shared personal stories, and built a sense of camaraderie through music. A Guest Artist visit from Zack Fox gave him an extra spark—after that, he became more vocal, asked thoughtful questions, and leaned fully into the creative process. He developed a strong connection with the Teaching Artists, experimenting with blends and supporting others in the group. By the time graduation day arrived, he volunteered to perform last—a bold move that reflected how far he had come. Closing out the showcase with a Bay Area-themed set, including a track by a friend who had once shouted him out, he stood behind the decks with pride. It was a full-circle moment.
Under the name DJ Bizzy B, his nickname on the outside, he transformed a long-standing interest into something tangible while finding a new sense of community. He talked about DJing block parties after release, supporting artist friends, and passing on what he learned—particularly to others who, like him, never had access to opportunities like this. “I'm really proud of myself for learning something new and would totally try this on the outside,” he shared. For him, the program wasn’t just about learning a skill. It was about reclaiming a dream, unlocking confidence, and opening a door he once thought was closed. Now, he's stepping into the future with pride and a renewed belief in what's possible.
DJ Bizzy B’s journey is a reminder that access, encouragement, and community can reignite what once felt lost. Donate today to help more individuals reclaim their creative path.
