Desi Beats for DJs: How South Asian Music Moves Global Crowds

Desi 101: What Exactly Is Desi Music? Let’s clear something up: Desi isn’t a genre. It’s a cultural identity. “Desi” is how South Asians across the diaspor...
J. Espinosa at Fluxx Nightclub in San Diego on Sept. 24, 2016 (via Facebook)
From holding down the airwaves at Los Angeles’ Power 106 and San Francisco’s 99.7 NOW! to rocking clubs and Oakland Raiders games, J. Espinosa is one California’s busiest DJs. The Bay Area native is also an accomplished battle DJ, having won the Red Bull Thre3style US Championship in 2015. Check out his five must-have travel items below.
Serato Control Vinyl, Red Bull Thre3style Edition
“I got a pair of really dope white control vinyl when I was in Japan last year for the Red Bull Thre3style World Finals. I barely ever use them, but just having them in my bag reminds me of my accomplishment.”
Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets
“What can I say? Sometimes I be greasy. I can’t be in pictures looking like I just jumped out a french fry basket!”
iPhone Charger
“I have a phone charger that never leaves my bag.”
Fingernail Clippers
“I can’t focus if my fingernails get too long. I get self-conscious about them, so I always keep some nail trimmers with me!”
Jason Markk Quick Wipes
“I gotta keep my kicks fresh when I’m on the road, and we all know that your shoes are gonna to get stepped on at least 89 times when you run to the restroom during your set. These wipes work great for on-the-go touch-ups if you’re a neat freak like me.”
***
Follow J. Espinosa on Facebook, Instagram, Mixcloud, SoundCloud, and Twitter.
Related: DJ Zo: Must-Have Items in My DJ Bag
Desi 101: What Exactly Is Desi Music? Let’s clear something up: Desi isn’t a genre. It’s a cultural identity. “Desi” is how South Asians across the diaspor...
The second episode of Beatsource Retro Tech takes a look at the Red Sound Infader mixer. Some episodes will highlight products that significantly influence...
Notable tracks that were added to DJcity this week. View them all here. Download the tracks below. (* indicates DJcity Exclusive) The Weeknd & Doechii...
On this week’s episode, the crew is joined by the ever-insightful @DJMoma, who dives deep into his recent creative process and thoughts on the global music...
*** UPDATE: check out our updated 2024 and 2025 playlists! Wedding season has arrived! DJcity’s Remix Director Sir Marcus has put together a list of...
Holi, the vibrant Festival of Colors, is a cherished Hindu celebration that welcomes the arrival of spring with a burst of energy. Taking place in March, t...
While destroying a vinyl record collection all at once would be a significant undertaking, the same cannot be said for digital music. If you maintain only...
Notable tracks that were added to DJcity this week. View them all here. Download the tracks below. (* indicates DJcity Exclusive) Rihanna – Friend Of Mine...
These are DJcity’s most downloaded tracks of April 2025. Our monthly charts feature top downloads from around the world, plus regional charts for Latin, U...
James Hype. Yesterday, DJcity revealed its most downloaded tracks of 2020. Today, we dive deeper to uncover the most popular remixes, bootlegs, and edits o...