Black Eyed Peas DJ Motiv8 Moonlights At Reign Lounge

Photos by Danny Lopez

​Rocks Off had a feeling that last night was going to be a good night when we checked out Fresh Entertainment's "The Power of the DJ" show at Reign Lounge on Washington. With DJ Motiv8 of the Black Eyed Peas headlining the event, beats were bumpin' from start to finish.

Presented by Fresh Entertainment, DJ Tony Styles of 104.1 KRBE got the party started by doing what he does best; spinning some of the hottest tracks and names in hip-hop today. DJ New York followed up by adding some reggaeton into the mix. Then came Motiv8, fresh off a four-month tour in Europe.

Though you'd think he would be tired of playing the Peas, that didn't stop Motiv8 from opening up with a couple of tracks from the group's last album, The E.N.D. Along with partner in crime Rhett RhFactor, Motiv8 showed his range when he deviated from hip-hop into mash-ups and Latin sounds like reggaeton and salsa - heck, he even threw in a little swing just to change things up.

Before he hit the tables, Rocks Off sat down with Motiv8 for a short Q & A.

Rocks Off: Now that you're back in the States, can you reflect a little on your tour in Europe?

DJ Motiv8: I was over there for four months, and it was actually really great. I think a lot of DJs from America should go and see how Europe is, because the crowds are really crazy and there are very packed places. Europe is definitely interesting because it's got history. I love being there, I liked it.

The hardest part was traveling from LA to Italy; and then staying there and being away from your family. It gets really hectic.

RO: What is the difference between America and Europe?

​DJM: In America, when you need something, boom, it happens. Over there, everything is more laid-back and sometimes takes a little longer.

What really makes a difference is the history in buildings, that's the interesting thing about Europe that is different from America. America is all new, Europe has all the history. I got to see a lot of interesting buildings; we got some interesting buildings in America, but it's a different thing.

RO: What country in Europe was your favorite?

DJM: Portugal. That country is crazy; those kids are crazy over there. I love going to Lisbon, though.