DJ Olivia Dope: 9 Things To Know About The Stylish Diva Heating Up Turntables Across The Country

Before pursuing a DJ career, she was a professional back up dancer for artists like Shaggy, Chris Brown and Mac Miller.

By Rachaell Davis · Updated December 6, 2020

DJ Olivia Dope is always coming to a stage near you, so of course, we couldn’t be more excited to have her as one of the official DJs for the 2018 ESSENCE Street Style Festival. Get tickets to the 2018 ESSENCE Street Style Festival! A multi-talented entertainer who got her start in the music industry as a backup dancer for some of today’s biggest artists, the proud Brooklyn native brings much to the turntables whenever she hits the stage. Her impressive resume includes a clientele list of everyone from Adidas to UNICEF to Lil Kim and most recently, Janet Jackson. She is also currently the official DJ for rising Hip Hop artist, Saweetie.

Off-stage, she’s also a designer and a full-time mom. In other words, Ms. Olivia Dope pretty much does it all! Scroll through to get to know her a little better and then be sure to grab your tickets to see Olivia do her thing live in person at the 2018 ESSENCE Street Style Festival.

She’s A Brooklyn Girl

A Brooklyn native and proud New Yorker at heart, Olivia’s unique skill set on the turntables have taken her around the world and made her one of the most sought-after names in the business.

She Has An Inspiring Backstory

“This employee name badge goes with me EVERYWHERE,” Olivia wrote on Instagram. “If I could wear it as a necklace I would. A reminder of a point in my life where I was at the LOWEST. Homeless, nowhere to go. Even riding the NYC trains at night just to have somewhere to sleep until Starbucks opened at 5am & just sit in there until I had to go to work. A daily routine… I was so depressed & unhappy. Not because I was homeless but because I was SETTLING. At a thankless job instead of just taking that leap of faith on my dreams & make them happen. In August 2013 I quit my job at H&M, decided to build my dream full time & never looked back. Was the struggle real? YES, VERY. But the struggle was a BLESSING b/c I can now appreciate the SUCCESS so much more. Never forget where you came from so you fully understand where you’re going. The definition of #LivDope.”

She’s Your Favorite Celebrity’s Go-To DJ

Adding to her already-impressive resume, Olivia recently got the chance to DJ a private event in NYC for none other than entertainment icon, Janet Jackson, in celebration of the release of her new single, “Made For Now.”

She’s Equal Parts DJ And Fashionista

A unique part of Olivia’s brand is the impeccable sense of style she brings to the stage each and every time she hops behind the turntables.

She’s An Entertainer On And Off The Turntables

Before pursuing a DJ career, she was a professional back up dancer for artists like Shaggy, Chris Brown and Mac Miller.

She’s The Official DJ For A Rising Hip Hop Starlet

Olivia Dope is currently the official DJ for rising Hip Hop starlet Saweetie.

She’s No Stranger To The ESSENCE Family

In addition to getting ready to keep things rocking at the 2018 ESSENCE Street Style Festival, Olivia has also brought her talents to ESSENCE Festival, ESSENCE Best In Black Beauty and ESSENCE Black Women In Music Awards, among other events.

Her DJ Name Was Inspired By Another Olivia Everyone Loves

Olivia’s DJ name was originally “Flyy Mommy,” but the birth of a certain on-screen it girl by the name of Olivia Pope inspired her to switch things up. Three months after changing her stage name, she even got the chance to meet the real-life Olivia Pope (aka Kerry Washington).

Hannan Saleh

She’s A Mom

In between heating up the 1s and 2s, she’s a full-time mom to a beautiful daughter.