Meet James DJ XXXclusive Williams | DIsc Jockey Extraordinaire

We had the good fortune of connecting with James DJ XXXclusive Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James DJ XXXclusive, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was that people throw parties all the time! By the time I moved back to Atlanta in 2004 I was struggling to find my way, not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I loved music, and I wanted to keep DJing, but I did not know where to even start! I started looking online for gigs, taking anything I could. Fast forward to 2007, I ran across a DJ competition sponsored by Pepsi. The day I saw it there was only now day remaining for me to enter. Entry consisted of a 2 – 3 minute original DJ mix. So I went to work, submitted my mix with only an hour remaining to enter, and ended up being selected as a competitor! I made it to the second round out of three before I was eliminated, but this gave me the validation I needed to follow my passion for DJing. From there, I started spinning in clubs and doing a host of private events around the city. Because of that, XXXclusive Entertainment was born! The thought was people loved my sound. I was unique! I started this business to let people know, ATL, your next legendary DJ is here!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started DJing while I was attending Bethune-Cookman College, which is now Bethune-Cookman University. Shout out to my Alma Mater!! Around that time the internet and technology started evolving tremendously! I remember having a Gateway PC with a big behind monitor that I would lug around and DJ with. VERY unconventional, but it was all worth it! I was an unconventional DJ so it was on brand! No turntables, just a big ass computer and a mouse! I don’t how the hell I did that! LOL! Moved back to ATL, did a DJing competition, and from there, life took off!

The road to where I am now was not the easiest, but I did it! There were times where I wasn’t getting any bookings so I assumed no one liked my style. I decided I needed to start marketing myself better, making phone calls and shopping leads. All it took was one booking and word of mouth! Bookings started pouring in! I have DJ’ed across the country, and even overseas!

Over the years I have learned to always stay diligent. Don’t give up, even though it is so much easier to! The work is hard, but the payoff is amazing!

What would I want the world to know about me? I’m a kind-hearted brother, full of love, and love music! I love to move crowds and see the looks on peoples faces when the next transition slaps them in the face! My story is a love story filled with heart ache and heart break, which I pour into my mixes and sets me aside from anyone else!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came in town for the week I would take them to check out a Hawks game! I love ATL sports, not a fanatic, but a fan, lol! We’re definitely going to Pullman Yards to check out an art installation or other events going on. Ponce City Market is definitely on the itinerary! For food, Slutty Vegan a few times, Mary Mac’s, and my absolute fave, Big Daddy’s Kitchen!! After some good eats we may go check out MJQ, which is one of my favorite spots! And gotta get drinks at Friends! Honestly, the best time I always have is when I’m DJing for clients! Being able to interact and meet new people at events is SO much fun, so the bestie is definitely coming to the event with me!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout is to EVERYONE who has ever booked me for their events, anyone who has ever danced to my mixing in the clubs, and anyone who has ever downloaded any of my mixes. I am here because of you! A very special shoutout to my family who always believed in me, especially my mom and dad! A super shoutout to dad because if it wasn’t for him playing all of his records for me, then my musical journey would have never began! Lastly, thank you and shoutout to Taune and Marquis! They have held me down for many many years! Thank you both for all of the help, the bookings, the love, and the words of encouragement when I doubted myself, and was ready to give up! Yall are the true MVPs!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djx3c/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DJX3C

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bubbapsi

Other: Mixcloud https://www.mixcloud.com/DJX3C/ SoundCloud https://on.soundcloud.com/TQekW