Meet the DJ

Who I Am

Born in the city of Chi-town this young aspiring DJ found a home in the party scene at a young age. Starting off with a group of fellow DJs called “Live It Up” a group lead by Ricky Rockin’ Aldana our DJ found his passion for music through the art of “getting your beats tight”. In those early days he was known as Joe Pump It Up “melting the wheels of steel” at house parties in his community as well as high school parties. “In those days it felt like everyone else in the neighborhood was either on drugs or gang banging this was our outlet our way of expressing ourselves,” he explains.After a period of time he starting spinning at venues such as the Aragon, Navy Pier, and the Odium Ballroom; and received a new DJ name that would forever transform his career as a DJ and Producer. Back in ‘94 the name was given to him by Joey “The Don” for his persistent ways when it came to collecting and getting paid back for his work DJ Payback began a new journey through the world of music by starting a new crew called Masterpiece Productions in the mid 90s with Luis Wicked Notorious Eddie G and others, while also releasing his work to the world one tape at a time.The name of his first mix tape “Keep It Underground” was conceived on a trip he went on to NYC with the Chicago Vibe Music crew, when in a shop looking for a new hat to rock he looked up and saw a cap that had “Keep It Underground” stitched onto it and underground it was kept. Payback began to further his career by working at a few record stores such as Jumpin Music, Just Dance, and running The Factory.Some would say the rest is history because he then began getting air time on B96’s Street Flavor Show with the help of DJ Speed which allowed him to get his mixes out to thousands of people at a time, while he also began helping fellow DJs Produce their music and mix tapes. Yet, for DJ Payback it is all about the future.After taking a brief hiatus from the art of performing DJ Payback has emerged from the Underground, “I am tired of being a basement DJ I need to be where I belong, where people come to hear music that will give them every opportunity to dance the night away “ DJ Payback states. But when asked why else he made his return he looks to the industry itself. “ I’ve Been to a couple of clubs lately and the sound systems are great, the atmospheres are great, but its still lacking something... well put together beats. Clubs need to start recognizing the most important part to your night club is your music. An unopened bottle of Grey Goose cant get any better than the next unopened bottle of Grey Goose.” DJ Payback explains.House Party Productions the new production company founded by DJ Payback, Eddie G, PayDro, and Rob Pabon is based off that same concept. It is all about the music. House Party Productions is one of many projects DJ Payback is currently working on, but the most important vision Payback has for his future is to share his talents with lovers of music, no matter where they may be.