Nowadays, it takes more than just one skill to be at the top of your game. Now, personalities are expanding their brands far beyond what was once their day job. Take a look at four top DJs who have done just that. <em>—Janell Hazelwood</em><br><br>
<strong>Funkmaster Flex</strong> has been able to build a brand that includes television, radio and product endorsement and development for more than a decade. A DJ on the popular New York station <strong>Hot 97</strong>, Flex started at local nightclubs before getting his big break on radio. As a producer, he's working with hip-hop heavyweights including LL Cool J, Jay Z and Nas. He's appeared on major groundbreaking shows including Yo! MTV Raps before landing his own gig as host of Spike TV's <strong>Ride with Funkmaster Flex</strong>, ESPN's <strong>All Muscle with Funkmaster Flex,</strong> and another Spike TV hit, <strong>All Muscle with Funkmaster Flex.</strong> He's even collaborated with companies including Ford to create custom rides and developed an annual eight-city Funkmaster Flex Custom Car & Bike Show Tour.
The power woman behind Black Girls Rock, <strong>DJ Beverly Bond</strong> has created a movement that has been sparked all over the world. A former model, Bond has gravitated to music since her years spinning tracks as a teen. After paying her dues, her popularity took off, landing her on the A-list for clients including Sean "Diddy" Combs, Prince, and Kimora Simmons. She's played major gigs including VH1's Fashion Awards, the ESPN X-Games, the New York Planet Hollywood opening, Playboy parties, and music heavyweights' album release parties. She's had TV appearances on shows including She spun on television shows including BET's <strong>Rap City</strong> and <strong>106 & Park</strong>, and MTV's Total Request Live and <strong>Direct Effect.</strong> Her skills have been lauded by publications including <strong>,<em>Essence,</em></strong> and <strong><em>Vibe</em></strong>. And she continues to serve her community with <strong>Black Girls Rock</strong>, which caters to teenage girls of color to teach skills and confidence, and executive-producing the annual star-studded <strong>Black Girls Rock! Awards</strong> on BET.
This dynanic diva was named one of the “25 Most Stylish New Yorkers” by <strong>Us Weekly,</strong> and has become one of the most in-demand DJs around the globe. From private Hollywood parties to events for Madonna, Naomi Campbell, and Jamie Foxx, <strong>DJ Kiss</strong> has headlined at some of the most exclusive clubs from the U.S. to international borders. She's added her signature sound to A-list fashion, music, corporate, and charity events for clients include <strong>Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Versace, Alize,</strong> and <strong>H&M</strong>. She's also made TV appearances on shows including MTV’s <strong>“The Seven,”</strong> VH1’s <strong>Big Morning Buzz Live</strong> and NBC’s <strong>The Today Show</strong> as an expert and DJ.
<strong> DJ Envy,</strong> one-third of Power 105's popular Breakfast Club trio in New York City, got his start creating award-winning mixtapes as a teen. The Hampton University graduate would go on to produce a debut album in 2003, featuring the best of the best in hip-hop, from Jay Z to Busta Rhymes to Birdman of Cash Money Records. He started BLOK Entertainment, a management and production company that has produced hit tracks for artists including as DMX, Foxy Brown, and Fabolous. He has made TV appearances on shows including <strong>106 & Park, Entourage and Tha Corner</strong>, which he hosts on the Music Choice channel. Add to those boss moves his gig as host on MTV2's <strong>Sucker Free Countdown</strong>.
