Raj Smoove

Raj Smoove is a New Orleans-based DJ and music industry professional with more than 30 years of experience. Currently the Game Day DJ for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, he is one of the city’s most recognizable, in-demand talents and one of the most successful DJs to emerge from the region. He has appeared on the main stage at the globally renowned ESSENCE Festival of Culture, as well as at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the official ANTI-Tour wrap party for Rihanna, the National Fried Chicken Festival, NBA All-Star Weekend, the HBCU Legacy Bowl, the National Urban League Conference, the National Black Journalists Association Convention, and as a DJ for the New Orleans Pelicans. Consistently recognized by the City of New Orleans for his contributions to local culture, he has received multiple proclamations from the New Orleans City Council. In addition to his current residency at The Barnett (formerly The Ace Hotel), Raj has appeared at some of the city’s most notable venues including the House of Blues, Champion’s Square, the Dew Drop Inn, Blue Nile, Harrah’s Casino, the Fillmore, and many others. His portfolio of clients includes AT&T, Walmart, Microsoft, Jack Daniel’s, the Kellogg Foundation, the City of New Orleans, Xavier University, Inspire School System, and Dillard University.

Musically, he has collaborated with Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, the Big Tymers, PJ Morton, NBA Youngboy, 5th Ward Weebie, Mia X, Tarriona “Tank” Ball of Tank and the Bangas, Kourtney Heart and many more. In 2012, Raj performed an impromptu live collaboration with Stevie Wonder, the footage of which has gone viral several times over. His television appearances include three segments on BET’s “Rap City: Tha Bassment” and the Super Bowl XXXVI edition of BET’s “106 & Park.”  As an on-air mixshow DJ, he has apppeared on Hot 104.5 KNOU and 98.5 WYLD.

Dubbed “the Greatest DJ in the world” by Lil Wayne, Raj served as the in-house producer for Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment from 2001 to 2004, where he played an integral role in generating the buzz behind Lil Wayne and Sqad Up mixtapes. Raj also produced material for Lil Wayne’s platinum-selling 2004 album, Tha Carter. Together in 2006, the duo collaborated on the Lil Weezy Ana and The Carter Files mixtapes. Raj’s own self-produced compilation album, Bayou Classic, features Mannie Fresh and Mia X. Raj was also the official DJ for the 2000 Cash Money Records/Ruff Ryder Entertainment tour.

Beyond his own musical pursuits, Raj is a producer, writer, studio engineer, and artist manager. He is a member of the Recording Academy, serves on the advisory board for New Orleans music business accelerator METRONOME, and is a board member for French Quarter Festivals, Inc..Since his first paid DJ gig at 14, Raj Smoove has spent decades establishing himself as a versatile performer who places his ability to read and engage crowds at the forefront of his artistry.

As an independent record executive, Raj Smoove has worked closely with R&B artist Kourtney Heart, for whom he leveraged a major recording deal. Among his current list of clients are including Flagboy Giz, Brass-a-Holics, Water Seed, 504icygrl, Young Money artist PoppyH, and more.