5 Things
March 22, 2020 11:46PM EDT
This DJ is throwing the best online quarantine party, and drew the likes of A-listers like Oprah, Gabrielle Union, and Ellen DeGeneres on his latest viral stream!
Derrick “D-Nice” Jones, 49, has the hottest club going! The DJ has become a viral sensation for his homespun “parties” during the COVID-19 crisis, providing good jams and positive vibes for thousands around the world — including some of our favorite celebrities. On his first digital get together, he drew over 100,000 simultaneous club goers, and, not surprisingly, doubled it the following day! Here’s 5 things to know about the “Club Quarantine” creator and Bronx, NY native who is keeping us boogying away right in our living rooms!
1. He was part of Boogie Down Productions. Alongside members Lawrence Kris “KRS-One” Parker and Scott “La Rock” Sterling, D-Nice co-created the group in 1986. The group took their name from a longstanding nickname for The Bronx. They went on to drop their debut album Criminal Minded in 1987, just five months before DJ Scott La Rock was tragically murdered at 25 years old. KRS-One and D-Nice continued as a duo, and went on to release four more albums together. D-Nice eventually went solo, and released two projects of his own: 1990’s Call Me D-Nice and 1991’s To Tha Rescue.
2. He created “Club Quarantine” on Instagram. In response to the devastating response to COVID-19 — which has lead to weeks of self-quarantine and many losing their jobs — D-Nice created the ultimate escape with music. His first show on Friday, Mar. 20 went for nearly 10 hours and drew every A-list name imaginable including Jennifer Lopez, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Rihanna, Lenny Kravitz, Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Dwyane Wade, Janet Jackson, and Ellen DeGeneres! Oprah gave the DJ a shoutout on Twitter shortly after, dubbing the livestream “the best party of 1 and 100k I have ever been to.” DJ also opened up about why he started the online Club: “I can’t believe that I started the Home School social distancing dance party just four days ago and it’s become a place for us to virtually dance together and stay connected. From my kitchen, I’m able to send positive vibrations to each of you. Thank you for rocking with me.”
3. He discovered Kid Rock. Early on in his career, Kid Rock — a Detroit native — was interested in the hip-hop scene. Aft
