⭐️ Community Spotlight #2: DJ Oxygen — 25 Years of Moving the Crowd
Def Familia’s Second Community Spotlight
Def Familia Entertainment’s second Community Spotlight shines on DaShawn Dillard, better known as DJ Oxygen.
⭐️ 25 years of Moving Crowds
Born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, DJ Oxygen has spent more than 25 years professionally moving crowds, building a loyal following and providing for his family through his love for music.
His journey began when his older cousin received a pair of turntables for his birthday. Whenever DaShawn stayed at his cousin’s house, he would practice on them. Although he has been DJing professionally for over 25 years, he says he has truly been a DJ since he first fell in love with music at 10 years old.
⭐️ From Ox to DJ Oxygen
Before becoming DJ Oxygen, he was known simply as “Ox.” In 2014, his management changed his professional name to Oxygen, although many of his longtime friends still call him Ox today.
⭐️ Major Events & Career Highlights
DJ Oxygen began taking his talent seriously after becoming an adult and realizing that DJing could provide him with a living. One of the first major moments that made him believe he could truly succeed was performing at an event for Eric B. The room was filled with celebrities, and DJ Oxygen had the entire party rocking.
Although he jokingly admits that slow jams are his favorite, he is best known for playing ’90s and 2000s hip-hop and R&B. What separates DJ Oxygen from other DJs is his ability to create everything live and in real time. He scratches, blends and combines several songs while entertaining the crowd with jokes on the microphone. His skill, creativity and personality allow him to mesmerize his audience and make every performance memorable.
Throughout his career, DJ Oxygen has performed at major events and shows, including Summer Jam in New York City, the Bad Boy Reunion Tour and shows featuring Mary J. Blige. Even after more than 25 years in the industry, he understands that one of the biggest challenges is remaining relevant in a business filled with talented DJs. His goal is simple: continue improving, stay booked and keep doing what he loves.
⭐️ His Connection with the Deaf Community
DJ Oxygen also shares a special connection with the Deaf community. He says the community embraced him from his very first show with Dee Brown, and he has never forgotten that support. Over the years, he has gained Deaf fans from across the United States and continues showing his love and appreciation for the community. He believes Deaf entertainment needs more advocates like Dee Brown who are willing to stand up for the community and help create opportunities.
⭐️ Family Behind His Success
Behind his success is a strong and supportive family. DJ Oxygen credits his family—especially his children and parents—for always standing in his corner. Out of everything he has accomplished, he is most proud that DJing has allowed him to take care of his family. To him, that achievement means more than performing at major events or being surrounded by celebrities.
⭐️ Life Away From the Turnables
When he is away from the stage, DJ Oxygen is much different from the energetic performer people see behind the turntables. He considers himself a homebody who does not enjoy leaving the house—and he says he can cook like a professional chef.
⭐️ Advice for the Next Generation
His advice to young Deaf people who want to become DJs or enter the entertainment industry is to learn the craft first, discover their own style, remain humble and never stop learning.
⭐️ What's Next for DJ Oxygen
DJ Oxygen is currently performing on the Top Billing Tour with comedian Bill Bellamy, traveling across the country and appearing at sold-out shows. He also has more concerts and tours coming up. Beyond live performances, he plans to grow his YouTube channel and share more online mixes with fans around the world.
From practicing on his cousin’s turntables in Trenton to performing on major stages, DJ Oxygen’s journey represents talent, dedication, family and longevity. After more than 25 years in the industry, he is still moving crowds, expanding his reach and proving that when you truly learn your craft, your passion can become your purpose.
⭐️ Follow, support or book DJ Oxygen
on Instagram at @originaldjoxygen.
One Vision. One Family. One Movement.
⭐️COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: RICARDO A. HAZELL SR.
Def Familia’s First Community Spotlight
At Def Familia, we believe people who put in the work, use their talents, uplift others, and make an impact in their communities deserve to be recognized.
That is exactly why we created Def Familia Community Spotlight — a place where we can give flowers to deserving people while they are here to receive them.
For our very first Community Spotlight, we wanted to choose someone whose journey represents what this platform is all about: using your voice, experience, knowledge, and talent to tell stories and make an impact.
That person is Ricardo A. Hazell Sr.
✍🏾 Nearly 30 Years of Journalism & Storytelling
Ricardo is an experienced journalist, writer, and cultural storyteller with nearly 30 years in journalism.
His work has appeared across major media platforms including The Washington Post, BET, The Root, Black Enterprise, Bleacher Report, HipHopDX, EURweb, AllHipHop, and The Shadow League.
Throughout his career, Ricardo has covered hip-hop, entertainment, sports, Black culture, and real-world issues, using storytelling to inform, entertain, and bring attention to subjects and voices that deserve to be heard.
But Community Spotlight isn’t simply about where someone’s name has appeared.
It’s about recognizing the work behind the name, the years of dedication, the knowledge gained along the journey, and the impact that experience can have on others.
⭐️ Why Def Familia Chose Ricardo
Ricardo represents something we strongly believe in at Def Familia: your voice matters.
For nearly three decades, he has continued developing his craft and using the written word to tell stories across culture, entertainment, sports, and community.
His experience also makes this selection especially meaningful because Ricardo is now bringing his voice and knowledge to the growing Def Familia Blog as one of our writers and contributors.
Our platform is bringing together experienced writers alongside younger voices, including the next generation of writers coming through Def Familia.
Different generations. Different experiences. Different perspectives. Different voices. ONE FAMILIA. ❤️
We believe there is tremendous value in allowing those generations to learn from one another while creating something meaningful together.
That is why we are proud to recognize Ricardo A. Hazell Sr. as the FIRST Def Familia Community Spotlight. ⭐️
We salute his journey, his dedication to journalism and storytelling, and everything he has accomplished — as well as what is still ahead.
Congratulations, Ricardo!
Welcome to the Def Familia Community Spotlight.
Our Voices. Our Stories. Our Familia.
⸻
⭐️ WHO WILL BE NEXT?
Ricardo A. Hazell Sr. will hold the Def Familia Community Spotlight for the entire month.
Each month, Def Familia will recognize one individual, organization, business, or group whose story, work, dedication, accomplishments, or positive impact deserves to be seen and celebrated.
And now we want to hear from YOU.
Who should be our NEXT Community Spotlight? 👀⭐️
Do you know someone making a difference? Someone whose hard work goes unnoticed? Someone with an inspiring journey? A business or organization giving back to its community?
Nominate them.
Tell us who they are, what they do, and most importantly, why you believe they deserve the Def Familia Community Spotlight.
Next month, the person standing in the spotlight could be someone YOU nominated. ⭐️
We See You. We Hear You. We Support You.
WE ARE DEF FAMILIA. ❤️
One Vision. One Family. One Movement.