DJ Lazy Eyez wins 2013 Westword Music Showcase best hip-hop dj

asianave September 13, 2013 Comments Off

By: Patricia Kaowthumrong

Sean Choi, better known as DJ Lazy Eyez, lives by some powerful words, and has a successful career as a disc jockey to back them up.

“You can pay for school, but you can’t buy class,” he says.

Choi may have a master’s degree in business administration and finance from the University of Colorado in Denver and a successful professional career, but his passion for music is undeniable.

Winner of Westword Music Showcase’s Best Hip-Hop DJ award in 2006 and 2013, DJ Lazy Eyez’s most memorable performances include DJing for Brother Ali at the SnowBall Music Festival in Winter Park and opening for Snoop Dog in Aspen. He’s also played at historic music venues such as the Bowery Ballroom in New York City, the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco and the Soundset Music Festival in front of more than 30,000 people in Canterbury Park, Minn.

“I have been fortunate to have some amazing experiences in my DJ career,” he says. “I’ve been able to meet most of my hip-hop heroes, open for big names and go on tour across the U.S.”

A native of Colorado Springs, DJ Lazy Eyez had his first gig in high school, when he was given the opportunity to take over after a DJ at his school dance didn’t show.

“I ran to the car and grabbed my book of CDs, and I played the music,” he says.

“Everyone had a great time, and they asked me to come back and DJ the next school dance. From there, I was hooked. At the time, I guess I just loved music, but couldn’t dance, so DJing seemed like the logical thing to do.”

Growing up as an Asian-American and a minority in Colorado Springs made hip-hop a natural way of life, Choi says.

“I think being a minority in America has helped me to relate, understand and contribute to hip-hop culture,” Choi says. “I think being a Korean-American, I work extremely hard to be successful in every endeavor I pursue, because at the end of the day, you want to make your parents proud, right? However, as most Asian-Americans can relate, choosing to pursue artistic or musical interests is not always the ideal ‘career.’”

Choi says he will continue to try to define the image of the Asian-American male, which includes battling stereotypes and projecting stronger images.

Although spare time is scarce for Choi these days, he likes to paint, draw, read, and watch documentaries and films when he can find time.

“I enjoy spending my time trying to experience what life has to offer,” he says.

Be sure to catch DJ Lazy Eyez with his friend DJ Low Key at The Solution (www.DenverSolution.com) on Friday nights at Meadowlark Bar in downtown Denver on 27th and Larimer.

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