Classic "true school" hip-hop, dancehall and even drum and bass are all part of the Monday night menu at Henderson Avenue's mainstay, the Slip Inn. Resident DJ S.O.U.L.Jah, a transplant from Puerto Rico, keeps the rotation packed with timeless tunes.

We interviewed S.O.U.L.Jah recently about his residency and his early DJ days in the Puerto Rican rave scene. Here's what he had to say.Q: What was it that led you to start DJ-ing?

S.O.U.L.Jah: I have to say, the rave and club scene in P.R. from '96 to '00 was a monumental part of my life and definitely the reason why I became a DJ. The promoters had the power to throw parties in the most unique and beautiful venues. From the caves of Puerto Rico, to the rainforest, to a tunnel and, of course, on the beach. In particular, there was a party one night in the caves of Camuy in which I thought to myself, "Man I would love to be one of the lucky DJs playing tonight at this crazy venue!" The vibe that night was like a dream, and I wanted it! I still remember Lady Kier of Deee-Lite and Jumpin Jack Frost playing that night and having the crowd in the palm of their hands, just eating up whatever they served them. It was at that exact moment I decided I wanted that power; I wanted to play music to make people dance and forget about their problems.

Q: You've been doing the Slip Inn close to four years now. Tell us about that spot. The name itself is pretty crazy ...

S.O.U.L.Jah: The name does say it all. It's not your typical hole-in-the-wall joint. My favorite thing of the Slip is the mix of people that come through the doors. I mean, it caters to everyone.

Q: Is it true they open at 6 a.m.? Have you ever been there that early?

S.O.U.L.Jah: They used to open that early, not anymore though. That tradition ended a couple years ago. The last day that the club opened that early was two years ago for New Year's Day, and I had the pleasure of DJ-ing that day. ... You can only imagine the people that were there still partying at 8 in the morning.

Q: What types of records are you playing at your Monday gigs vs. Thursday nights?

S.O.U.L.Jah: I play totally different sets between those two nights. Mondays is for the heads, nothing but the very best in underground and old-school hip-hop, reggae-dancehall and grimy electronic music. As for Thursdays, it's all about the party jams. I play anything and everything to keep the vibe bumping.

Q: You're also a regular DJ at Joyce. Tell us a bit about that spot.

S.O.U.L.Jah: Yeah, I do Friday nights at Joyce. It's a two-level ultra-lounge in the heart of downtown Dallas. It's a completely different scene from that of the Slip Inn. I'm able to get away with more electronic, big-room music and less hip-hop. Don't get me wrong. I love them both, but it's nice to go from one spectrum to another.

Real name: Julio Rivera

Age: 29

Styles: party jams, hip-hop, reggae-dancehall, drum and bass

Where to hear him:

• Mondays, Thursdays and the first Saturday of every month at the Slip Inn

• Fridays at Joyce

• Sundays at Adidas Originals in NorthPark

Contact Info: souljahselekta.com

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