With over two decades as a seasoned DJ and music industry professional plying her trade across Los Angeles and Las Vegas, DJ88 has built a reputation as a true open-format architect. Someone who moves between Hip-Hop, Electro, R&B, Soul, Indie, Classic Rock and other sounds not as a party trick, but as a philosophy. Having opened for the likes of Quincy Jones, Bono, Chaka Khan, Hiatus Kaiyote, De La Soul, Earth Wind & Fire and many more of the world’s biggest music stars, she has long understood what it means to hold a room and take it somewhere unexpected.

Now, she’s channeling that same instinct into her new show ‘Let It Breathe Radio.’ A space built on unspoken trust between curator and listener. The new venture keeps its spotlight firmly on the craft, celebrating the DJs, remixers and producers whose edits and selections are too often overlooked. Think of ‘Let It Breathe Radio’ as a vintage store you had to find to get the most unique pieces. Every session promises to introduce you to a new favourite artist, a song you didn’t know you needed, and a journey you didn’t see coming.

In that spirit, DJ88 shares some of the open-format mixes that have moved her most, read on for her selections. “Energy is everything,” she says. “Moods ebb and flow and I have a soundtrack for every transition. My moods are a kaleidoscope often with a soundtrack so these selections represent my taste as a DJ and a music lover.”

Voices Radio – The Juice Presents w/ KSLICE ft Roshni Mango Frequencies

DJ88: “This is a perfect example of why Mixcloud is the gift that keeps on giving. In going through shows, I discovered ‘The Juice Presents w/K-SLICE’ on Voices Radio and LOVED IT! So I’m including this as a proper representation of selection, curation and tone when it comes to one of my favorite vibes musically. That intersection of Downtempo, Future Soul and Hip-Hop.

I’m a snob when it comes to selection and curation – especially with mixes – and this show flowed beautifully. I really enjoyed her energy; very joyous to listen to and I got turned onto songs I had never heard before which, for me, is like Christmas morning! That ‘Atmosphere’ by Colours That Rise featuring Yazmin Lacey joint though!! OMG.”

DJ EXCEL – Live on Jazzy Jeff’s ‘Fridays Are Different’ Livestream

“As an open format DJ, my love for music spans across genres. A great example is my ‘COOL SHIT FOR GROWN ASS PEOPLE’ mix series. I would love to hear more mixes like this that really feature various genres. It’s needed right now given the buffet of subgenres that now exist. It’s a solid way for DJs to give every music lover a seat at the table, a full meal, and leave them  with new favorite songs and artists they hadn’t heard before. I really feel that is part of the responsibility we carry as DJs. One of my favorite DJs in this space is DJ EXCEL. His recent mix on DJ Jazzy Jeff’s ‘Fridays Are Different’ is a master class on range, taste and technique.

I had EXCEL on my roster in Vegas as a guest resident DJ when I was Entertainment & Creative Director at a live music venue in the early 2010s. He’s a gentleman and a scholar and a great account to follow. There’s a bit of everything in his Mixcloud space.”

Soul Cool Records – DJ Riz Live from Brooklyn (2006)

“Classic Hip-Hop and R&B/Soul are the foundation of my personal and professional taste. So, I have to include DJ Riz’s infamous 2006 mix live from Brooklyn via Soul Cool Records. It’s rapid fire quick mixing which is usually not my thing. But this set is so legendary and FILLED with every classic sample and break you can think of. Sounds like a real trip down memory lane, I love this set.”

Tru Thoughts presents UNFOLD 15.03.26

“One of Tru Thoughts’ most recent ‘UNFOLD’ shows is a perfect example of a show that I can lose myself in. That really gives the attention to detail that all sides of my musical taste requires and, most importantly, has a focus on featuring upcoming artists. I really enjoy this channel. Another absolute GEM on Tru Thoughts is a show from their 15th anniversary (quite a while ago). It features the uber talented gentleman Lefto Early Bird, who I had the pleasure of booking years ago. Lefto is an incredible music mind and wizard as a DJ; this show is something every music lover should have!”

Follow DJ88 on Mixcloud and Instagram, and be on the lookout for her new show, ‘Let It Breathe Radio,’ coming soon.