A couple of weeks ago, Tiara Monique went viral for an Instagram video of her mixing some oldies. Complex reposted the video and it hit almost 400k views! Ever since, her name has been getting around and her skills have been in the spotlight. You can check out the full mix below.

Reppin' LA all day in her red Chucks and box braids, you can find Tiara DJing at a local venue, live on IG or The Room Hollywood every Thursday 9-11:30 (Free Entry All Night). Besides DJing, she started her own radio program called Total Perspective which covers everything from politics to nutrition. 

Q&A with Tiara Monique

Q: How did you get started as a DJ?

A: I was producing music at first (started in 11th grade), and my cousin was DJing all the family functions; told me I should learn. He gave me a DJ controller for Christmas that year and I just taught myself from there.

Q: What was your reaction when you found out your DJ video was on Complex’s Instagram?

A: I was shocked! I honestly felt undeserving because there are much better DJs than me out there showing their skills. However, I was very grateful and humbled at the fact that somebody besides my family and friends recognized my talent and had positive things to say. It felt good.

.Q: What’s the best thing about DJing to you?

A: The best thing about DJing to me is controlling the crowd. Music is a form of expression and feelings. You can literally make the crowd feel whatever you want. It’s the greatest feeling in the world turning the volume fader down, and the crowd isscreaming the lyrics to the song.

Q: You have $50 to your name, but you want to have a good time. What are you doing?

A: I’m filling up my gas tank and getting road snacks, then driving to my family’s house in Moreno Valley.

Q: How do you get mentally prepared for a set?

A: Well, first I exercise my recreational right with Mary Jane, say a little prayer asking for guidance and control, then go in and read the crowd and do what I feel is right.

Q: Oprah 2020? 

A: Ehh...That would be a sight to see. I feel like since Donald Trump (a reality star who knew about politics) was elected, the doors are open for us to believe that other people with no political background can run and be better than him. And we’ll vote for her too lol. Honestly, I’d like to see someone with a political background in office, like Angela Rye. Still black, still a woman..and it's her field.

Q: Which DJs do you follow?

A: I follow all of my friends that DJ, number one. Support is a big deal to me. But really I like to follow DJs who are consistent and continue to work on their craft. If I can learn from your page, I’m there.

Q: Do you think female DJs receive enough credit?

A: Not at all. Women don’t receive enough credit in any field or work we choose to enter..whether it be male dominated or not.

Q: What’s your favorite genre of music to mix?

A: My favorite genre of music to mix is probably R&B. I can’t live without Rhythm & Blues in my life.

Q: When did you get your first set of turntables?

A: I got my first controller Christmas 2011. However, I didn’t touch/get any turntables until March 2017.

Q: Favorite candy?

A: Hershey's Bar with Almonds.

Q: Favorite pair of 👟?

A: Red Chucks

Q: What’s your next move?

A: To keep doing what I’m doing and staying consistent. Real G's move in silence like lasagna. There’s a lot in store, just know that. 

🎵 You can listen to Tiara Monique's latest mixes on SoundCloud.

Thank you, Tiara for being the first DJ to grace to SHEisDOPE. Hard work never goes unnoticed, so keep on grinding 😉.

🖤 Amber Chanel