Born as Kathy Taylor, in Seoul, Korea to a Korean mother and
Born as Kathy Taylor, in Seoul, Korea to a Korean mother and Caucasian father, she is the eldest of four children. Kathy is a Los Angeles native with an Army child upbringing which brought her to attend Kansas State University; where she graduated with a B.A. in Sociology. During that time, she pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a historical and nationally recognized socially conscious organization.
Kathy Taylor, stage name DJ K-Sly, is one of the most highly regarded, leading DJs and accomplished hosts. She is the first in her class; the first renowned Asian female DJ and radio host in the world. She has cemented a footprint in the entertainment industry, not only as a woman, personality, and DJ, but as a voice for the people.
DJ K-Sly is the world’s first renowned Asian female DJ and radio host. She has earned mass popularity because of her signature voice and mixing style. K-Sly established herself as one of the nation’s top on-air personalities during her time at 100.3 The Beat, was co-host and DJ of the internationally-syndicated television show Dance 360 and was announcer and DJ for Steve Harvey’s Big Time. She also maintains a non-stop DJ schedule, playing international festivals, clubs and major events year round.
Based in Los Angeles, Kathy spins throughout Hollywood, U.S. and overseas. Fans and promoters know her as the shinobi; in any situation, for any demographic, at any given time. Kathy is sponsored by the leaders in sound, Monster Products, Drinkwel nutrition, and is a proud member of Violator DJs.
On TV, she survived 6 of 7 rounds and was the only female standing during BET’s “Master of the Mix;” the first nationally televised DJ competition. It was judged by Kid Capri, Vikter Duplaix, Amber Rose, and hosted by music producer, Just Blaze.
BET brings together top notch DJs from across America to determine who’s number one on Season 2 of Master of the Mix. Judges, Kid Capri, Amber Rose, Vikter Duplaix and host Just Blaze oversee DJ battles around the world with the winner receiving $250,000 and being crowned Master of the Mix.
Being in the spotlight has given Kathy the opportunity to interview some of the most influential entertainers of yesterday and today. The list includes artists: Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, 50 Cent, Chris Brown, Sheila E., the late Rick James, and actors: Will Smith, Jada Pinkett, Tommy Lee Jones, Peter Facinelli, Jaime Pressly, to name a few.
ASIANCE: Favorite song right now?
DJ K-Sly: M83 “Midnight City”
ASIANCE: Describe your mixing style.
DJ K-Sly: My foundation is Hip-Hop. Once you’ve mastered one genre, then I feel you can add on, if you want, which I’ve done with almost every genre, except polka. 😉 I play Hip-Hop, House (Dance, Deep, Progressive, Electro, Tribal, Classics), Soul, Reggae, World and Indie. Sometimes, it’s all genres in one night. Other nights, it’s only one.
It’s very situational. I depend on the people very much for their energy and direction. No matter what they’re feeling, the goal is to always to make them feel better by the time they leave.
ASIANCE: Who’s your favorite DJ?
DJ K-Sly: Jazzy Jeff!
ASIANCE: Who is your favorite Asian DJ?
DJ K-Sly: Q-Bert
ASIANCE: Favorite place to DJ in the world?
DJ K-Sly: Seoul, Korea
ASIANCE: Ultimate place you want to DJ that you haven’t yet!
DJ K-Sly: Europe!ASIANCE: Give us your current favorite mix…Like the first 5 songs and the artists.
DJ K-Sly: (old & new, various genres)
Miguel – Adorn
Patrice Rushen – You Remind Me
AWOL Nation – SAIL
Outkast f/ Goodie Mob – Git Up, Git Out
Sander van Doorn vs. Kele feat. Lucy Taylor – What Did I Do
ASIANCE: How did you know you wanted to be a DJ?
DJ K-Sly: I just knew. There weren’t too many DJs at the time to be influenced by bandwagon fantasies. You just know. It’s a pure knowing.
ASIANCE: What do you like most about touring?
DJ K-Sly: The combination of food, culture, people. Being a tourist expands your mind. And leaving, knowing that you touched people, as much as they moved you; powerful feeling.
ASIANCE: Do you have a significant other? How do you juggle relationships with your career?
DJ K-Sly: I’m 100% single and ready to mingle! I like sushi, picnics, long vacations and romantic walks on the beach. Any volunteers?
This sounds cliché, but I’ve learned to appreciate myself and learned that you should be with someone who appreciates you equally.
It’s definitely difficult to juggle relationships. I have my God, my family, my friends, and I want to give them more of me on a consistent personal level. But I can always fit sushi in.
Master of the Mix: After Show. Damn they’re competitive!
ASIANCE: Who would you like to tour with?
DJ K-Sly: Outkast, Prince, Madonna, Linkin Park, Rick Ross
ASIANCE: I remember you from Steve Harvey’s show! What advice do you have for the other girls who want to break into a job like that?
DJ K-Sly: Thanks! You’ll develop strong abs working with Steve. Laughter all day.
ASIANCE: Advice?
DJ K-Sly: Just be YOU. Don’t try to play up your sexuality. If you try too hard, it comes across either slutty or just fake. You’re naturally feminine and beautiful as a woman. Focus on your skills and your goals. Network, network, network! Follow up. And be consistent. Pray and believe!
ASIANCE: Anything interesting happen on the show that you can let us in on?
DJ K-Sly: haha! A lot of debating, arguing, and misogyny. Most Asian women aren’t subservient, as longtime stereotypes have portrayed. I think everyone figured that out during the show. 😉 Living on a bus for nearly a month with only guys was nuts! Surprised I didn’t go to jail!
ASIANCE: Favorite artist?
DJ K-Sly: Outkast!!! Of all time? Michael Jackson.
ASIANCE: Anything else you’d like to add?
DJ K-Sly: I appreciate what you guys do and thank you for including me!
ASIANCE: What do you think of Linsanity?
DJ K-Sly: I’m linsane in the membrane! Ok, for real, I’m team KOBE and Lakers gang all day, but I root for Jeremy Lin, outside of Lakers games. =P Lin is on FIRE. He seems very humble and a good role model. I admire that a lot.
He has an incredible story of faith. Just when you’re about to throw in the towel…it ain’t over until God says it’s over. I’m happy for him and I love all the Lin word play.
ASIANCE: You should DJ at half time during the time Knicks come to your area!
DJ K-Sly: Now that would be AMAZING. Hopefully, I won’t get jumped for doing it.
Website: http://blog.djksly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teamdjksly
Twitter: https://twitter.com/djksly