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

Hi Kawon, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I now put energy into the things that make me feel good and inspired compared to when I use to chase every interview request, DJ opportunity or just never said no. Now if I can’t connect to it I wont’s accept it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My Kawon J. Media brand is a Hip Hop brand that has the Kawonjmedia.com website, DJ Kawon Mobile app that houses my registered digital broadcast radio platform KKSJ-DB Kawon J. Radio. We cater to independent Hip Hop artists from across the world. . We are a 24/7 streaming licensed station with original programming like that flagship show I host called The Mixtape show that has bee on air since 2011. I’m excited on how the platform has afforded me to travel to interview Hip Hop legends like Doodlebug from Digable Planets, Billy Danze of M.O.P, Dres of Black Sheep, Cappadonna of The Wu-Tang Clan, Goodie Mob, The UMCs, Do It All from Lords of The Underground and more. I also have interviews what I call legends in the making on the indie scene that are just as polished as the signed artists in the game. Our mission is to shine. bright light on the indie scene without all the politics behind the industry.

How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy?- I was introduced to streaming radio from my buddy DJ Ill 808. He found one of my mixes online and brought me in to a really cool radio station out of Atlanta called NGA Radio. That was ran by another really friend of mine DJ MJAD and as a team with some other really talented DJs we were a top 25 Radio platform on Tunein. That was huge because we were competing with the big boy radio stations and were the alternate to the norm. It wasnt’ easy doing it and still isn’t, but the thing that always got us over was to be consistent and ready for the next move and pivot.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. – I’ve learned that you have to stick with what you love! You’ll find your tribe and the love will be there. Don’t worry about numbers or who’s not supporting you. The real supporters will always be strangers.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?- We’ve expanded to more than radio. We have our Kawonjmedia.com website that features cool stories and write-ups. I’m working on releasing a full album with production by myself and partner Kongdu 80 Books titled “The Heat Tape” It’s going to feature a few artists from the DFW area and all over the country. This album is an extension of the talent that comes on The Mixtape Show weekly. Overall we are here to contribute to Hip hop in a very selfless way.

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?
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever.

Where would you take them? I’m a music head, so we are hitting the record shops. At this point in my life a lot of my friends and peers are into the similar things I am so we would be digging for records at Josey’s Records

Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc. In your view what are some of the most fun, interesting, exciting people, places or things to check out? I’m a fan of the mom and pop spots so we would eat at Irene’s Kitchen, maybe catch a show at The House of Blues.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My partner who I’m working on this new album with Kongdu “80 Books”. I was in a weird headspace dealing with multiple deaths in the family and was ready to step away from doing music stuff. He helped get me back on track.

Website: Kawonjmedia.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/kawonjmedia?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@djkawon0718?si=Yp1pIUf5f5tk1xTy

Image Credits
Shayla Jenkins

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