DJ D-Nice

Derrick Jones, known professionally as D-Nice, is a DJ, rapper, record producer, beatboxer, and photographer whose career spans four decades in hip-hop culture. At age 15, Jones met DJ Scott La Rock and joined Boogie Down Productions, a hip-hop group formed in the Bronx, New York City, with KRS-One and Scott La Rock. Nicknamed The Human TR-808 for his beatboxing skill, Jones contributed to shaping Boogie Down Productions, recognized as one of the most influential groups in hip-hop. After appearing on Boogie Down Productions' debut, "Criminal Minded," Jones built a reputation outside the group by co-producing the Stop the Violence Movement's "Self-Destruction," which reached Number 1 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles.

Jones launched a solo career, earning a Top 20 hit on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart with the self-produced track "Call Me D-Nice." He released two albums for Jive Records, "Call Me D-Nice" and "To tha Rescue," with his debut album selling half a million copies. After stepping away from recording, Jones expanded into creative services, developing websites for artists and shooting photography campaigns for brands. His evolution as a DJ led to high-profile performances, including serving as the official DJ for President Barack Obama during his time in office and sharing the stage with artists such as Billy Joel and Stevie Wonder.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jones launched Club Quarantine on Instagram Live, drawing hundreds of thousands of viewers, including public figures like Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, and Mark Zuckerberg. Club Quarantine raised millions for first responders and historically Black colleges and universities, becoming a significant cultural event in digital music and entertainment.

The impact of Club Quarantine earned Jones recognition, including Entertainer of the Year at the NAACP Image Awards for "Homeschool at Club Quarantine" and DJ of the Year at the BET Awards. TIME magazine nominated him for Person of the Year. Jones continues to perform through digital streams and live events at venues such as Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center. From his early days with Boogie Down Productions to uniting audiences worldwide through music and digital innovation, Jones has demonstrated reinvention, resilience, and a commitment to the connective power of music.