Nico Hernandez, better known by his stage name DJ NiQ (“Neek”), is a self-made Mexican- American DJ, producer, and entrepreneur from Oakland, California.
NiQ first got introduced to DJing at the age of 15, when his Godfather saw his excitement with music and entrepreneurship. “He told me that there was a way I could create through music and make some money while doing so. This instantly grabbed my attention.” Through his Godfather, he got access to a full DJ set and after a few short sessions, NiQ was hooked. As early as 16, he found himself DJing for some of the biggest nightclubs across the Bay Area.
“I grew up listening to a lot of different genres of music. I was part of a huge Bay Area movement known as the Hyphy movement that was pioneered by artists like E40, Too$hort, The Jacka, MAC Dre, and Mistah Fab to name a few. They showed me the importance of high energy storytelling which molded me into a better artist. “
After a few years building his brand and improving his craft, NiQ was approached by Rayven Justice — a Bay Area rapper and singer. “Rayven began gaining attention and he needed a DJ for his shows.” After DJing a few local shows with Rayven, NiQ left the Bay Area club scene and hit the road. Together the duo did a national tour, opening up for the LA rapper, Problem.
“Being on tour helped me further develop an understanding of the importance of energy and how it can build a connection with people of all walks of life. There’s nothing better than seeing people vibe to your sets and feeding off your energy.”
After DJing for popular clubs in the Bay Area and touring across the country, NiQ realized that it was time to take the next step in his entrepreneurial journey. In 2018, NiQ released two songs, Snakes & Una Noche Mas. Since their release, both singles have gotten significant traction helping NiQ further establish himself in the music industry. He’s also had the chance to produce for artists across the country and internationally including countries like Nigeria, Spain, Dominic Republic, and Mexico.
Even with all the changes, challenges, failures, and successes that have occurred throughout his music career, his desire to curate while also having a business mindset remains the same. Whether crafting the vibe within a nightclub, connecting to fans at a live show, or bringing together artists for a hit song, NiQ loves leading by example, collaborating with like-minded individuals, and figuring out what is needed to create the ultimate experience for supporters and listeners alike.
In the future, NiQ plans to keep making music and bringing people together from all over the world. But as a businessman in the music game, he found his calling through investing.
“I’ve put up my own money for every project that I’ve ever done, that includes creative equipment, production, and marketing. Whether it’s music or another venture, it’s all about having the right mindset and blueprint.”
His entrepreneurial journey with music influenced him to develop a blueprint to help others succeed through mindset, investing, and entrepreneurship. While networking NiQ was introduced to cryptocurrency and investing in the financial markets. As he continued to develop his knowledge, what started as giving people advice about investing rapidly turned into a passion for helping to position others for financial success. NiQ knew that his life path would be to continue creating through his music and teaching others how to make their money work for them through cryptocurrency and investment strategies.
Nico continues to build a plethora of skills and invests heavily within himself so he can continue guiding and teaching others to do the same. Through his entrepreneurial journey, NiQ is following in the blueprints of his greatest musical and entrepreneurial inspirations — DJ Khaled, the late Nipsey Hussle, P Diddy, Alex Morton, and David Imonitie who are about giving back to the community and helping to uplift the youth and people of today. NiQ’s mission is to show people all over the world, especially the youth, that they can achieve anything they put their minds to as long as they believe and invest in themselves. There’s no telling what the future holds for DJ NiQ, but one thing is for certain — it’ll be exciting and impactful.
© 2020, Jake Strain. All rights reserved.
