Get to know Hoophall’s favorite mixmaster, DJ WHYNOT

By Braedan Shea
@Braedan_Shea

While the teams and players that are invited to the annual Hoophall Classic held at Springfield College rotate nearly every year – for the past five years there has been one constant: DJ WHYNOT Positioned in the upper ring of Blake Arena, WHYNOT Has become a fan-favorite, using his deep basketball knowledge and love for history to aid him in rocking crowds. 

The Student sat down with DJ WHYNOT as he shared how he became the DJ of the premiere event, what got him into the game and what album he would listen to for the rest of his life.

The Student: How did you become a DJ?

WHYNOT: Basketball is my first love, music is second. Once a basketball career kind of didn’t work out – I didn’t become top five greatest of all time – I always loved music. Music was just another option and whatnot. DJing, the aspect, I didn’t know, I just decided to try one day. I love making people feel good through music and here we are today.

The Student: What is your favorite venue that you have had the opportunity to DJ?

WHYNOT: I’m gonna pick two venues. I remember years ago, I was DJing an after party and I was on a roll where I felt like I was numb. Feeling the energy from the crowd there was crazy. And I’m not saying it just cause, the Hoophall Classic. This is my fifth year doing it, packed house, energy all here, and I’m born and raised [in Springfield, Mass.] I remember sneaking in here, now I’m getting paid to be here. 

The Student: Do you have any advice to a younger generation trying to get into the world of music?

WHYNOT: I know it sounds cliche, but it’s absolutely hard work. If you’re passionate about it, you don’t mind taking the losses, because 100 losses is worth that one big one all the time. I would just say learn the music. Learn the history of the music. Music is always evolving. And just love it – if you love it, you don’t mind the hiccups, and it’ll all be worth it.

The Student: If you had to listen to only one album for the rest of your life, what would you pick?

WHYNOT: I’m going to say Nas, “Stillmatic. The reason being that was at a time in my life, in high school when you’re dealing with so many dynamics. The different tracks have different emotions and reasons.

The Student: How did you become the DJ for the Hoophall Classic?

WHYNOT: I’m gonna keep it funky. The DJ world is very competitive and I really wasn’t getting a lot of club gigs at the time, but I love basketball and I love music. I was proposed to do a high school game, and it was cool. Ever since then, one thing led to another. A lot of people come to the games – it’s like an audition. Someone that worked with the Hall of Fame later asked me, ‘Do you want to do a college game?’ I did that, and one thing led to another, and we are here now, still going strong.

The Student: If you were to host your own event, who would you choose to DJ?

WHYNOT: I’m not saying it just because I know these people – they’ve done my birthday parties. I’m gonna say Kid Capri, for turntablism technicality and DJ. 

The Student: How do you prepare for an event like the Hoophall Classic?

WHYNOT: When I first did it, obviously I wasn’t used to it, so I was trying to prepare for anything, and I like to play different genres with different age groups. I know this is a diverse crowd, and I tried to overload myself with music, prepping. Today, where I’m kind of seasoned, I’m more so going with the energy and the flow, because the energy and the flow and the crowd will never lie to you. And with being a basketball player, I can feel the energy of the game and kind of complement it with the right track.

The Student: Who would you choose if given the chance to work with any emcee?

WHYNOT: I’ve met Rakim, I had the chance to do some work with Rakim. But right now where I’m at, Big Daddy Kane.

Photo by Braedan Shea/The Student