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Health & Fitness

Local DJ spins for his family

Read the story about DJ Tapz, a local Hightstown DJ, as he chases his dreams of fame and fortune.

“I want to use my money to build local recording studios in small towns, like this one, to help out kids that have a passion for music. Basically I just want to give back. But something I always dream about is purchasing my own island just so I can be away from it all.”          

 The American music industry is known historically for two races: African-Americans and Caucasians. A Latino in the industry is often rare and hard to come by. However, the Latino migration into America has grown exponentially as has been widely publicized. Valdiviezvo is one of those who has migrated into the land of the free. “My parents brought me here for a better future and that’s exactly what I plan for myself; I’m not in it for the fame or the limelight, I just want to be successful.” Upon telling other teachers and elders, many have automatically categorized him as another Latino working in a fast food restaurant. “Even if I was working in one, I’d have no problem with it. Like I said before, I just want to be successful; I would make sure that the McDonald's I worked at would stand out from the rest.”

Joel Valdiviezvo, a sixteen-year-old junior at Hightstown High School, is a rising star in the producing industry. Although having produced for many of Hightstown’s finest, Valdiviezvo still doesn’t believe he has received his first break. Better known by his stage name “DJ Tapz,” he believes that although he has had many great things happen to him which have helped him gain recognition, he has not yet "made it."

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At the age of 11, he realized his talents when the director of a dance school he participated in asked him to handle the music aspect. “I started getting hands on practice with editing and working with music and I am now the Music Editor for Dance On Q performing arts center in South Brunswick.”   

Through his credible producing skills, Joel has gained a huge fan following. Valdiviezvo, however still believes that no matter the amount of followers, his biggest fans will still be his family. “They support me 100% with what I do. They do everything to help me out with accomplishing my dreams. I can always count on them to have my back, from something small like giving my friends rides or to something big like loading up the van with all my equipment at 3am, after a show. Everything I do is for them and I won't stop till my parents don't have to work another day in their life.”

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However, the fans that have stood behind Joel for years have had one resounding question as of late: why aren’t you putting out any new music lately? To this, DJ Tapz has a much more personal answer. “I was just feeling out of it and in a funk. My family was going through economic problems, and it wasn’t the greatest of times. Music wasn’t my primary focus at the time.”

Although loved by many, DJ Tapz is also hated by several as well. However, he says it doesn’t bother him much anymore. At first, when he started producing, the negativity used to get to him as he wasn’t use to anyone disapproving of what he did. However, through the years he has grown a "backbone" and believes that those who have given off the most negativity have been those most interested in him and constantly following his activity. 

The animosity between Joel and his competition peaked during the fall of his sophomore year.  A local neighborhood ‘beef’ (battle) had broken out between two feuding rap groups. To many, it seemed childish and a useless argument.  As CEO of his own group DME, he didn’t take the battles against the other group as seriously as some might have thought. “They came at us first, but I don’t blame them. They were just some freshman looking to get spotlight on their group.” Joel claims to have been amused by an attack on him by another group. After weeks of having heard videos by the other group, DJ Tapz responded with one video. A week later, the other group ended the feud. “It was about this time, I realized that it wasn’t about dissing other people, and bringing other down, it was just about the music I made.”

Many of those critical of Valdiviezvo have pointed out his carelessness when it comes to school. Although originally a non-believer in the importance of school, his beliefs have rapidly changed. At first during his freshman and sophomore year, he believed that nothing taught to him such as PEMDAS or geometric proofs would come in handy in a music studio. As a result, his freshman and sophomore year in school showed quite poor results. However, junior year has turned a new leaf for DJ Tapz. “I don't want to be categorized as another Latino who doesn't care about his future, because I do. As of recent in junior year, I'm doing great and have been getting nothing but A's & B's.”

Having already reorganized his priorities and making school an important issue; Joel has also reorganized his close friends circle as long as those he works with. Two of the main stars of his group are Jean ‘Jerzey’ Derose, as well as Quest ‘Kid Prodigy’ Wattley. However, if forced to choose one over the other for the future, he would choose Derose. Although both being talented and having gained much improvement since the first time they picked up the microphone, they have very different styles. Jean and Joel both received much of their fame and spotlight when they collaborated. “We just clicked musically after our first session. However, Quest and Jean are like family and we all work as a team.”

The dreams of Valdiviezvo are those of a man truly in love. As any other entertainer, he wants the fame and all that comes along with it. However, his first priority is giving the world a chance to hear what he feels within and what music makes him feel. “I’m tired of hearing the same songs on the radio; it’s time for some DJ Tapz.” However, he understands business in the industry is not a mushy love story. “I’m not looking for anyone to care about me, just to give me and my team a chance.”

At this moment, Valdiviezvo is pleased with where he is at. However, he needs his followers to understand he’s not fully trying to make it at the moment. As currently a high school student, he is waiting to graduate to step up to the plate and fully go all out with his dreams.

Why is DJ Tapz so intent on making it, many have asked. The answer to this is one uncommon for those of his age. Not for the money, cars, or girls as many upcoming entertainers dream about. “I’m doing this for my family. I need to make them proud and prove to everyone that doubted me, that they were wrong.” Quite simply, he not only feels the need to prove to the world that he exists, but he needs to prove it to himself.

If Tapz does make it, what will come out of his first big check? A Lamborghini with 20-inch rims? $1,000 Armani suits? No.

His first and foremost priority once receiving any large amounts of income is to buy his parents their dream house and make sure that they are taken care of, and his little sister as well.  His second family, as he calls them, are also of utmost importance.

Maria Quezada, the dance studio director, is one of DJ Tapz’s closest friends who has given him advice both in business and in life.  The dance school is Valdiviezvo’s main recording studio and  where most of his work has been accomplished. “She’s given me the space there, and I’m so thankful for that. I truly love and care for the Quezada’s and I’m very thankful for that.”

“I wasn't born to follow and I'm not sure if I was born to lead, but what I'm certain is that I was born to fight my way through life and win.”

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