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You have been described as a DJ , aspiring actor , designer , music producer , and entrepreneur . What one title do you prefer or is there a title that would cover all the above ? Music has been a huge part of my life for so long but today I feel I am best described as entrepreneur that is involved in every aspect surrounding music . I ’ ll always be a DJ because that is where my roots came from . However , I am involved in everything from producing to representing artist .
Do you favor or consider yourself stronger at any one role / title mentioned above ? I don ’ t at all because I ’ m passionate about all it !
How old are you ? 23
Who is Josh Acoff personally ? Honestly , I ’ m just kid from rural Alabama that always believed anything is possible and life does not have a ceiling . People often say “ the sky is limit .” I feel there is no limit !
Where did you grow up ? ( Explain what growing up was like for Josh Acoff and how it affected who you are today ) I grew up in Alabama and was raised by a single Mother . We experienced a lot of struggle and adversity . Having nothing has made me appreciate everything . I was fortunate to dream big because most of the people from where I grew up never had any other picture than struggle . I used the adversity as a motivation to succeed .
How long have you been involved in music and how would you describe DJ Acoff when he started ? I have been involved in music since I was a little kid . I grew up playing instruments in our church and I was always part of band in school . When I first started to DJ I did so off my phone because I did not have enough money to buy DJ equipment . While all friends were playing video games I would be playing music . They became my audience and would let me know if what I was playing was dope or not . What is crazy , when I first started college I was sent a rebate check for $ 5000 . For no reason and to this day don ’ t know why but when you ’ re struggling you don ’ t ask questions . I gave my Mother half to help out the family . I took the other half and purchased DJ equipment . It was like an angel was helping me achieve my passion . Game changer !
Why did you get involved in music ? It gave me an escape and no matter how I was feeling music always put me in a better place .
Who currently is a huge influencer for you and why ? Sean Combs ( P Diddy ) and Dr . Dre . Especially Dre because he started as a DJ and became a mega producer .
Who were your favorite three artists at age 13 , 18 and now today ? At age 13 I was into 50 Cent , at 18 I went back to Tupac and today I ’ m really feeling LIL UZI VERT .
How long have been in Tampa and why the move ? I ’ ve been in Tampa for only six months . I moved from Atlanta because I felt there was more opportunity in Tampa . Atlanta is already a huge music city . I want to create Tampa to be the same .
Tampa has a long history in music dating back to 1910 but best known for the blues movement throughout the 1930-40 ’ s . The Central Ave District attracted artists like Ray Charles , Cab Calloway , Ella Fitzgerald , James Brown , and many others . It has been said the dance The Twist was invented on Central Avenue , inspiring the song created by Hank Ballard , which was later made famous by Chubby Checker .
Today Tampa is breathing again and a ton of exciting changes are happening . How do you see the Tampa music scene now and in the future ? I feel Tampa is a goal-line filled with hidden talent . The growth will only bring even more talent .
Do you see yourself influencing a movement in Tampa ? Yes , I know I will . I ’ m in the right place at the right time and I ’ m surrounding myself with amazing people . I have the passion and drive and won ’ t stop until I make it happen .
What is your favorite Tampa restaurant ? The Big Easy in Ybor City .
Where is your favorite Tampa hangout ? The beach hands down ! Growing up in Alabama I never experienced beaches . My nightspot would be Franklin Manor . I love the vibe there .
Is Dj Acoff single ? Yes single as a pringle .
If you were hosting a party for friends , what would you wear , what would you be drinking , and what would be the first song on your playlist ? I would be in Gucci drinking Husky Vodka listening to 21 Savage .
What is your favorite non-music related activity ? One reason I love Tampa is we are surrounded by water and I love to be out on a boat and just relax and chill on the water . It gives me sense of peace .
Explain success in one word ? Inner peace with confidence . Success is so much that it could not be explained in one word .
What motivates you ? My family is my biggest motivation . When I think of where we came from and how far I ’ ve been able to succeed it continues to drive me to never want to go back to the struggle .
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