Sports DJ Sound Off: Meet DJ M.I.L. of the Brooklyn Nets

The Sports DJ Sound Off series is designed to provide insightful ways to help properly theme and soundtrack sporting events.  In addition to providing themed playlists, we're now connecting with some of the most talented Sports DJs across the country and picking their brains for your benefit.  Listen up as we 'Sound Off' with the industry's finest.

Over the past few years, I've had the privilege to work with DJ M.I.L. of the Brooklyn Nets on some marquee events as part of NBA All-Star Weekend.  In 2013 and 2014, we worked together on the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and the NBA D-League All-Star Game.  This year, I'll see him again in his own backyard for NBA All-Star 2015 in New York City.  Given our shared love of similar music genres, we hit it off immediately and collaborated to create some memorable event soundtracks.  He's a consummate professional whose talents have allowed him to travel the world.  And, for a man who has the right to carry an ego, he may be the most humble guy I've encountered in the sports industry to date.

I recently got to 'Sound Off' with my friend and here's how it went down...  Meet DJ M.I.L.

DJ M.I.L. DJ'ing at the Barclays Center during a Brooklyn Nets game.

MH:  Which sports organizations do you currently DJ for?

DJ MIL:  I currently DJ for the Brooklyn Nets, New York Mets, SNY TV, MetLife Stadium and various other NBA events like the Global Games and Jam Session.  I've previously DJ'd at Madison Square Garden for the New York Knicks, Rangers and Liberty.  

How did you get involved in sports and become a sports DJ?

DJ MIL:  Honestly, I knew the right person at the right time and was extremely prepared for the encounter.  Next thing I knew, I was playing events at Madison Square Garden.  Crazy story, I know.

What is some advice that you'd give to young people considering a career in sports?

DJ MIL:  For young DJs, I'd say learn and collect all types of music.  Also, learn to embrace technology.  It's your ally in this industry.

DJ M.I.L in action during a NBA Global Games event. 

Which of your career highlights are you most proud of?

DJ MIL:  Traveling the world with the NBA as a Music Coordinator and DJ.  I remember playing records in my mother's basement as a child dreaming of traveling the world with my music. 

What is your favorite sport to DJ?

DJ MIL:  Basketball.  Nothing compares to the tempo, vibe and excitement of it.  Probably helps that I'm a huge basketball fan as well.  Go Duke!

Which songs, artist or genres do you consider guilty pleasures?

DJ MIL:  80's pop, 90's hip-hop and House music.

What equipment and software do you use to DJ sporting events?

DJ MIL:  Right now I'm using Serato DJ, Pioneer DDJ-SX, an instant replay and Click Effects.

At 2014 NBA All-Star Weekend as the Jam Session Music Coordinator.

What 3 songs should every DJ have in their music library?

DJ MIL: "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson, "Party Up (in Here)" by DMX and any and all 80's and 90's Rock bumper records.

If you could DJ any event in the world, which would you pick?

DJ MIL:  A Presidential Inaugural ball.  The Summer Olympics would be a close second.

If you were a professional baseball player, which song would you select as your batter intro music?

DJ MIL:  Not sure of a specific song but it'd be a reggae song for sure.

What's your favorite theme night to soundtrack for at a sporting event?

DJ MIL:  NBA Latin Nights are pretty cool because I don't get to play those records often.

Stay in-tune with DJ M.I.L. by following him on twitter: @djmilnyc

Learn more about DJ M.I.L. at djmil.com