Southgate resident Ric Rodriguez, aka DJ Ric Nasty, is an entrepreneur and veteran of Detroit’s DJ scene.

Born in 1980, Rodriguez grew up in southwest Detroit. “My mom is from Detroit and my dad is from Raymondville, Texas, near South Padre,” he said. “My parents divorced and I lived with my mom in Southwest. Went to Holy Redeemer for a few years and graduated from Chadsey High School.”

A lifelong entrepreneur, Rodriguez started working early at the age of 11.

“I worked at a car wash to help get money for school clothes and I got a second job as a busboy,” he said. “When I turned 15, my mom helped me get a job at MetLife Insurance. Still with the company, celebrating 28 amazing years.”

An open format DJ, Rodriguez started spinning vinyl records in 1996.

“I eventually switched to Serato/digital but in the early days, I’d spend hours at Damon’s Record Center, experimenting with the in-store turntables,” he said. “My friend Clay worked there and he sold me my first turntables. My favorite vinyl stores were Record Time Roseville, Planet Rock on Springwells, and Melodies & Memories Eastpointe.”

Rodriguez was influenced and helped by many. “DJ Godfather, DJ Assault, Gary Chandler, the ghettotech scene – all deeply influenced me,” he said. “Then I met DJ Knight Inthemixx, who let me play at the corner bar. I was, of course, awful at first but became more proficient over time until eventually getting my first residency at Chapter One Bar on Warren and Penrod. I was also helped a lot by DJs Zig-Zag, Wayne and Joey A.”

After moving around the region, Rodriguez settled in Southgate. “Lots of options, easy e-way access, all the essentials are nearby, my fiancé and I love it here,” he said. “And until Smugglers Run (Wyandotte) closed last year, I was opening for a ton of cool acts like Puddle of Mudd, Quiet Riot, Slaughter, Great White, Josh Gracin, Priscilla Block.” Rodriguez also runs an events company and a clothing company.

“Dtowns Finest Entertainment and Events,” he said. “We handle all types of big events, collab with wedding DJs, you name it. I also run Det Grafx, a clothing company pop-up. My childhood best friend is one of Carhartt’s top graphic designers. He and I started this last year. The aesthetic is Motor City hip-hop. We sponsor several of the Clash wrestling shows at World of Games, Kudos, the Lincoln Park bandshell, etc.”

Living in Metro Detroit is also great for a sports fan like Rodriguez.

“I’m a big sports guy,” he said. “Longtime Detroit Lions fan, used to play softball at Canton’s High Velocity and I like going to my friend James’s store, 3 Kings Sports Cards.”

When traveling, Rodriguez has some favorite spots. “I love New York City, Tampa’s Ybor City and Las Vegas,” he said. “I also really enjoyed Osaka and Kyoto in Japan. Love coming back to the D though. You can catch me spinning regularly at Tin Roof downtown and One Under Livonia.”

The best is yet to come. “My fiancé and I are getting married next year in Cancun,” he said. “Can’t wait!”

Email Ric at DtownsFinestEntertainment@yahoo.com.