Life Is a Marathon, DJ Peg Is Still Running Laps
Photos provided by DJ Peg
By RayJaun Stelly
Jerry ‘Peg’ Pegues, also known as DJ Peg, represents what Northwest music is all about. More than just a DJ, DJ Peg is a staple in Seattle’s hip-hop scene, hosting and having hosted major events at monumental venues. This has gained him support from local artists whose music is featured on his mixtapes. As the FAM Northwest 2014 DJ of the Year, Seattle Sound Music Awards 2015 Mixtape of the Year winner, and Seattle Sound Music Awards 2019 DJ of the Year, DJ Peg has earned ultimate respect throughout the community.
Homegrown in Seattle, Washington, DJ Peg’s older brother provided the blueprint for his career despite their 10-year age gap. Seeing his brother DJ, make mixtapes, and do house parties sparked Peg’s musical journey.
"We’re ten years apart; he was eighteen, and I was eight. In 1979, he got the Michael Jackson record Off The Wall. We listened to it, and I was hooked. I just liked music at that point," said DJ Peg. "At thirteen years old, I started buying vinyl. I heard 'It’s Like That' by Run-DMC and 'Sucker MCs.' From then, I knew I had to do hip-hop in some way, somehow."
Paying homage to Michael Jackson for making him like music as a whole, 'Sucker MCs' got him into hip-hop. Peg wanted to be a DJ because of his brother, so he worked at Wendy’s and saved money to buy two turntables and a mixer. However, after experiencing some discouragement, his journey was derailed, and he turned to the outside influences of the streets.
"I got into the streets, I was out hustling; that’s what I did, but I still practiced in a friend’s basement. I still had the skills, but nobody knew who I was," said DJ Peg. "I hustled, did some time, got out, and couldn’t find anything to do because I now had a felony. Then, I got caught up again on New Year’s Eve 2003 and was looking at doing serious jail time."
DJ Peg continued, "My girlfriend at the time said I should DJ, that way I could make some money under the table. Just in case things went bad, I’d have money put away, and that’s what got me back into DJing."
Although it appeared he was headed down the wrong path, it’s safe to say his craft of DJing and love for music saved him from destruction. From 1986 to 2004, he didn’t perform at any clubs but still created mixtapes. Despite this, his mother re-instilled confidence in him, encouraging him to follow his dreams while also paying his bills.
From then on, DJ Peg hit the ground running. After receiving equipment from a friend, he started out at a club in the Rainier Valley area, earning $50 a week. He eventually opened for LoveStickLarry, who took him under his wing.
"I practiced all the time. I would go watch other DJs—not to steal what they did, but to see how they did it. From there, I just got better," said DJ Peg. "Then I got to this club in West Seattle named Doc’s. I was paid what I was worth, and from there, I gained fans. To this day, I have a great following out there. I love the people in West Seattle."
Realizing that not everybody can be the artist or what the world deems as ‘the guy,’ DJ Peg credits his success to naturally being an introvert. He doesn’t mind being in the spotlight but ultimately doesn’t crave it. As a DJ, he is able to do his thing in the background—his booth is his personal bubble.
"I learned a long time ago to put my pride aside to make some money or have an impact. I like being popular, but to be a team player for the greater good—that’s definitely me," DJ Peg expressed.
When rocking a crowd during his sets, DJ Peg’s message behind his smooth transitions and song selections is simple: "I want people to have fun and have a good time. It’s easy for me to help people have a good time. Let’s come and party, and everyone gets home safe."
The ups and downs, speed bumps, and hurdles of life, evolving to winning awards, and dedicating three decades and counting to music, DJ Peg attributes to staying motivated by almost heading down the wrong path—not once, but twice.
"I feel like I messed up half my life in the streets, doing what I wasn’t supposed to do. My motivation is to show people you can turn yourself around and change, and that’s why I go hard," said DJ Peg. "It’s never too late to change your ways. I’m 54 years old, and I still go hard. Another thing that keeps me motivated is my passion for what I do."
DJ Peg is living proof that life is a marathon, not a sprint. Sometimes you don’t start off great, but there are more laps to improve and get better. This is why he is still a prominent figure in the music scene, putting on great performances.
Catch DJ Peg live August 23 at Revelry Room in West Seattle and August 30 at West Seattle Brewery Co, for all updates follow him on Instagram @DJPeg206 or go to his website djpeg206.net/.
