DJ, ACTRESS, & PODCASTER CHE MACK TURNT AF IN THE TRAP | 85 SOUTH SHOW PODCAST
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Che Mack co-hosts the "Culture Chat GPT" podcast, focusing on genuine conversation with long-time friends.
- ❖Her acting career includes a multi-part movie series, "Turn AF," available on Tubi, chronicling a character's journey over 15 years.
- ❖Che Mack's DJing philosophy emphasizes knowing all music genres, acting as 'customer service' for the crowd, and adapting to the event's specific vibe.
- ❖The hosts discuss the controversial reality show "Baddies," noting its graphic nature, fighting-based ranking system, and the significant earnings some participants achieve.
- ❖A key takeaway for DJs is the importance of reading the room and adjusting the set, rather than rigidly sticking to a pre-planned flow, especially in diverse settings like brunches or regional events.
Insights
1Building a DJ Career Through Community and Hustle
Che Mack's journey into DJing was inspired by a mentor and solidified through self-initiative. Recognizing a lack of female DJ connections, she launched 'Girl Code Worldwide' parties to create opportunities for herself and others, demonstrating an entrepreneurial approach to career development. This initiative allowed her to gain experience and network, even while working other jobs and appearing on reality TV.
Che Mack recounts being inspired by DJ Speaker Fox, traveling with her, and then starting 'Girl Code Worldwide' because she 'didn't have any DJ friends,' hiring DJs and artists for her events. She continued DJing while working at Auto Spa Beastro and filming 'Love & Hip Hop.'
2The DJ as a 'Customer Service' Role
Che Mack views DJing as more than just playing music; it's a customer service role. A successful DJ must possess extensive knowledge across all music genres and be adept at reading the crowd. This involves fulfilling song requests, understanding the desired energy (BPM), and adjusting the playlist to ensure audience engagement and satisfaction, especially in diverse settings like brunches where reviews can impact future gigs.
Che Mack states, 'to be a DJ you got to know every type of genre there is because you as a DJ you kind of like a customer service.' She gives an example: 'if somebody asks for a song if five people ask me for a song two people got to get the request right.' She also mentions having specific playlists for different moods and events (R&B, gym, date night, brain power).
3Longevity in Acting Through Character Development Across Series
Che Mack's acting career is exemplified by her role in the 'Turn AF' movie series, which has released three installments over 15 years. This approach allows for deep character development and a continuous narrative, offering audiences a long-term engagement with the story and the evolution of the character over time.
Che Mack explains the 'Turn AF' series: 'The first one was in 2015, the second one was in 2020. And this one in 2025. So they all five years apart.' She adds, 'it's like my story keeps going.'
4The Evolution of Reality TV and Digital Content Creation
The discussion around shows like 'Baddies' highlights the current landscape of reality television, which often prioritizes conflict and physical altercations for entertainment. The hosts note that producers actively create scenarios to incite drama, and participants can earn substantial income, reflecting a shift in how digital content creators monetize their personas through controversial or high-engagement formats.
The hosts describe 'Baddies' as 'graphic,' 'so hurtful,' where 'they just let 'em run like crazy' and 'create scenarios for them to be mad at each other.' They mention 'some of them getting like a 100k' (referencing Natalie Nunn).
Lessons
- Cultivate a diverse skill set: Che Mack's success as a DJ, actress, and podcaster shows the value of being multi-talented in the entertainment industry.
- Build your own platform: If opportunities aren't readily available, create them. Che Mack started 'Girl Code Worldwide' to generate gigs and community for DJs.
- Embrace a 'customer service' mindset in creative roles: Understand your audience and adapt your craft (e.g., DJing) to meet their expectations and enhance their experience.
- Maintain consistency and hustle: Regardless of public recognition, continuously work on your craft and projects, as Che Mack did by DJing and working other jobs while on TV.
Quotes
"Nas I don't even feel like that [man] even give a [damn] about what nobody else doing cuz he don't do [stuff] that nobody else do. That [man] could literally just describe the whole room and that [stuff] be cold as [hell] and then throwing the the details that [people] ain't going to think to even think."
"Beauty is within. But every woman can be beauty. I think when you feel ugly, you be ugly."
"Long as you got more [people] who think you look all right than think you ugly, you good."
"We got to go get it while them days is over. I just said people got a short attention span. You got to be on point like [hell] out here. You got to be good. You got to be good. You got to be worth the You got to be worth the dollar. You feel what I'm saying? Like have some value in you."
Q&A
Recent Questions
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