Meet Jason Griffin | Navy Veteran/Gym General Manager/DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason Griffin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason, how do you define success?
For me, I define success by the impact you have on a person. If something you do can help the next one become better, no matter how big or small, that in itself is success!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Besides being a veteran and General Manager of a fitness gym, I am a DJ as well. Starting off in 2008, my story in becoming a DJ has humble beginnings. I started by hitting the streets of Dallas doing promotions for events, which led me into the skill. My cousin (DJ Redi) and friend (DJ Stevie Dee), at that time, we’re both DJs at Nairobis and seeing how they could control a crowd with music, struck my interest. Ever since then, learning how music can make people feel has become a passion to me. When I first started DJing at Nairobis, I was extremely nervous because it was the first time I had that much control of emotional responses from others. All I could think about was not messing up. My cousin stayed in the booth with me and made it easier and told me to trust my ear when it came to the next song. After that, I started to focus on the music and the rhythm. Then I incorporated, the crowd reactions. Once I felt comfortable, it became clear and easier to do transitions from one song to another.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, I would start by heading out to Legacy West. One particular place to eat is Earl’s Kitchen. But knowing how my best friend, we would probably go to the south for some Aunt Irene’s. We are both navy dudes so seafood is a must. For drinks, I would probably say Concrete Cowboy at the Star. The drinks are on point. As for entertainment, being in the state of Texas you can drive to a lot of places for entertainment so the opportunities are endless on that. But I will say that we are extremely competitive so either Top Golf or bowling will do. Interesting things to check out, I would say the State Fair Classic (Grambling vs PV). We are both football junkies as well as HBCU advocates. I, myself, am a PVAMU alumnus. So, definitely the State Fair Classic and the Lone Star Classic (Southern vs TSU).

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?
It’s really hard to pinpoint any single individual to shoutout because so many have helped me on my journey from high school, to college, to the Navy and even now to this point in my life. I am just grateful for the ones that I’ve had an opportunity to cross paths with.

Website: SoundCloud.com/deejayjaysuave

Instagram: @deejayjaysuave

Other: https://cueup.io/deejay-jay-suave/book