We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaheed Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shaheed, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I always knew that without taking risks, there could be no reward. From an early age, I realized I didn’t want to work for anyone else. Being an entrepreneur and forging your own path isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires a level of boldness—maybe even a bit of craziness—because you’re stepping into the unknown without any guarantees of success. But for me, the pursuit of financial freedom and personal fulfillment was worth it.
The risks I’ve taken throughout my 22 year DJ career have been some of the best decisions I’ve ever made. They taught me to fully trust in God and to believe that when you put in the work and align yourself with His purpose, everything will fall into place. If something is truly destined for you, it will happen. Worrying won’t change the outcome.
What’s funny is that 22 years ago, just a few months after I started DJing, I had a memorable experience that felt almost prophetic. I was at work one day when I encountered a palm reader in a park. Out of curiosity, I sat down with her, and she told me I owned a musical instrument—but she couldn’t specify what kind. When I said yes, I was shocked that she even knew that much. Then she told me something that stuck with me: “You’re going to be very successful in your music career, and you won’t be at this job much longer.”
Fast forward to today, and her words couldn’t be more true. Over the past 22 years, I’ve become an international DJ, performing on radio, at clubs, festivals, and on tour. I’ve built a career that has taken me around the world, and I’m now the proud owner of my own radio station. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every moment.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a 22-year DJ veteran, and I stand proud of all I’ve achieved in my DJ career. This journey has taken me across 12 different countries globally, allowing me to share my passion with audiences far and wide. I’ve had the honor of DJing on terrestrial radio numerous times, gracing the airwaves with my craft. I’ve also had the privilege of touring with big-name celebrities, an experience that not only challenged me but also elevated my skills and perspective.
One of my greatest accomplishments has been founding 939 Powerhitz, my own radio station. This venture was born out of a desire to give opportunities to people who wanted—yet never had the chance—to chase their dreams in this industry. Creating a platform for others to shine is something I deeply cherish.
Reflecting on my journey from DJing as a simple hobby to building it into a thriving business, I can confidently say it’s been a monumental achievement. It wasn’t easy—far from it. The road was filled with trials and tribulations that tested my resolve and pushed me to my limits. But through it all, my faith in God has been my anchor. It has carried me through some of the most difficult situations over these 22 years, and for that, I’m truly grateful.
This journey isn’t just about the milestones; it’s about the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the unwavering belief in what’s possible when passion meets perseverance.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For anyone visiting Atlanta, here are some must-see spots and recommendations:
• Food: Check out Ponce City Market for a variety of great eats. For Southern and soul food, try ROC South Cuisine, Bankhead Seafood, Slutty Vegan, and Busy Bee Café.
• Attractions: Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden, SkyView Atlanta, College Football Hall of Fame, Atlanta BeltLine, and the Fox Theatre for shows or concerts.
• Unique Spots: Stop by “Your 3rd Spot” for a mix of dining and bar vibes, or head to The Battery Atlanta for great restaurants and nightlife with friends.
• Nightlife: For clubs, check out Suite Lounge, Opium, Monticello’s, Blu Martini, or Cigar City Club if you’re into cigars.
There’s always something to do in Atlanta, especially during the spring and summer when the city comes alive with festivals and concerts. Welcome to the A!
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?
A heartfelt shoutout to God, first and foremost, for allowing me to live out my destiny. His guidance and blessings have been the foundation of my journey, and I’m forever grateful.
Big love to my mom and dad for letting me scratch up your records on the family record player every time you left the house. Those moments sparked my passion and set the stage for everything to come. Thank you for your patience and support! 😂
To my wife, Rose H. Brown—you’ve been my rock through the highs and lows, always keeping me focused and motivated. Your unwavering love and encouragement have been priceless. I’m beyond thankful for you and everything you do.
Special thanks to Big Mike from Upscale Ent for opening the door to Atlanta’s club scene and giving me my first big break. And to my mentor, DJ Tayrok—thank you for teaching me what it means to be a true DJ, creating opportunities for me, and showing me how to turn this passion into a successful business. Your guidance was invaluable.
To my day ones—Justice, Fareed, Jesking, Step Brother A-Trax, Water, Lil Mike, and Gavin—thank you for believing in me before I even fully believed in myself. You gave me the confidence to chase this dream, and I’ll never forget it.
Big love to my brother DJ Father Scott for helping me step onto the international stage. Because of you, I got the chance to spin in Mexico, Jamaica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. Those opportunities were unforgettable—thank you, Scotty!
Huge shoutout to DJ Dex and Program Director DJ Cass for giving me my first shot on FM radio in Charleston, South Carolina, on Z93 Jamz. That opportunity was a dream come true. Working alongside my guy DJ Kevin Klutch, we made waves every week during the 5 O’Clock Traffic Jam.
To my 939 Powerhitz family—Jason “J Boy” Carey, DJ Nahmean, DJ Vanwyck, DJ Q Mixx, J “Hov,” DJ Quest, DJ Nephu, DJ Knotts, C Fresh, DJ Kali Krush, Kimberly Walker (Lotus Lens Photography), Vivian (Vase Photography), and everyone who started this journey with us—thank you for being part of building something extraordinary. It truly takes a team to create a dynasty, and I’m blessed to have you all in my corner.
Shoutout to my brother “Case”—traveling the road with you has been an incredible experience. We’ve gone from colleagues to family, and I’m grateful for the bond we’ve built along the way.
To Brother Suice, thank you for believing in me, passing opportunities my way, and trusting me to deliver.
To everyone who has played a role in my journey—whether mentioned or not—please know I’m deeply grateful. Each of you has left an impact on my story, and I’ll never take that for granted. Thank you for being part of this incredible ride.
Website: https://linktr.ee/939powerhitz
Instagram: @shaolinmania @939powerhitz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EA8fFiMR7/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Lotus Lens Photography
Vase Photography