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“Success is not the result of making one good choice, of taking one step. Real success requires step, after step, after step, after step. It requires choice after choice, it demands life-long education and passion and commitment and persistence and hunger and patience.”
― Jesmyn Ward
To achieve anything in life, an individual must have sheer dedication to succeed. DJ GQ, also known as Gary Hardie, has changed the game for hip-hop and reggae. Born on August 10th, 1978, in South Florida, Hardie has Jamaican, Cuban and Chinese lineage. People live their lives in a normal routine but DJ GQ has been unstoppable when living life to the fullest. As individuals start to shape themselves according to the norms, DJ GQ has been living his dream life. He came into the scene when he started making mixtapes in the mid-90s. He has been known to be a pioneer in making hip-hop and reggae blends with his music. He deejayed for Akon and was his first DJ. Hardie has toured with Kevin Lyttle when “Turn Me On” was one of the biggest hits of that time.
Exploring the world
“You can never know who you really are or what you can do until you discover yourself.”
― Sunday Adelaja
Hardie started young at the age of 14 when he performed with Silver Hawk in Norbook. It was a huge opportunity and he made use of it fully. Hardie built his portfolio when he came back to Miami by making mixtapes. In October 2016, he opened a Craft beer bar and lounge in Lauderhill, Florida, named GQ’s Craft House. On October 9th, 2020, he released his debut EP, Is It You. The 4-song EP Debuted #10 on the Billboard Reggae album charts. It highlighted Hardie’s trademark blend of Reggae and Dancehall, with an influence of Pop he developed every weekend on his iHeartRadio Y100 (WHYI) mix show and on the stages of nightclubs and stadiums across the U.S.. The debut project features Busy Signal, Mr. Vegas, Craigy T (of T.O.K.), Yaksta, and R&B artist Casely. Casely and JonFX who have done further production work.
Hardie spends his time inspiring young artists at The Recording Academy, where he is a governor and advisor. Being a role model can be difficult as an individual has to maintain their way of conducting themselves. Hardie has been magnificent when it comes to pushing youngsters to fulfill their dreams. There are moments where people feel that they cannot win at life and tend to give up quickly. In such instances, a change of mindset and optimism should be given way to exercise its power. As positive thinking is instilled in life, individuals will automatically see an improvement in their lives. Hardie has always kept a positive outlook in his life and was always inspired by his surroundings. He had worked with Mr. Vegas and DMX, which has accentuated his portfolio.
Creating art with music
“We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.”
― Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
Being a DJ has been a passion of Hardie since he performed in front of a live audience for the first time. It takes a lot of courage to come in front of the public and show your raw and vulnerable side. He has been impeccable in showing the world that all it takes is confidence and determination. Being successful takes a lot of hard work and Hardie has worked diligently to become what he is today. In December 2009, DJ GQ was hired by the pop station Y100 where he was known as the first Top40 Mixer. Hardie has been phenomenal in creating music that makes a person want to dance and groove to the beats. As individuals begin to achieve success, they are destined to become legends if they stay dedicated and devoted to their passion. When an individual has the power to influence others, they should use their platform wisely.
Hardie, with his music, has managed to create a movement where individuals can enjoy themselves to immaculate music. Individuals can enjoy with their friends and listen to Hardie’s music to let go and feel free. He has been deejaying for two decades and still performs with the same enthusiasm and vigor. To succeed in life, an individual must not let any distractions get in their way. There should be a clear path and a motivation to move ahead in life. There needs to be a vision in life that propels a person to dream and explore their life. As life moves on, an individual should adapt to the changing trends. Hardie has been phenomenal when it comes to using his platform to motivate individuals. He has been inspiring the young generation to believe in themselves and bring about change in their lives. Hardie has been impeccable and has made individuals believe that anything is possible with dedication.
