Meet Michael DJ M Dot Hankerson | DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael DJ M Dot Hankerson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DJ M Dot, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is that I’ve had people who believed in me enough to put me in position to elevate and grow as an entertainer. With support like that along with being in the right circles you start to gain connections while making a name for yourself and your brand. Proverb, it’s not what you know, or who you know, but who knows you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
DJ, On-air talent, host. When I got into the industry I never wanted limit myself and my talents by just being labeled a “dj.” I wanted to be looked to as an entertainer. If you’re at a game, club or a show and I’m the featured DJ then it’s my job to entertain you and keep you engaged. For me that form of engagement comes from verbal interactions over the microphone. I want you to feel like I’m talking specifically to you and not a room full of people. On top of watching me truly enjoy what I’m doing up there. I think if people see the DJ having a good time they are more likely to do the same. Considering the vibes are on point.

The journey may appear like it’s been somewhat overnight, but I can assure you that the work and sweat equity has been put in. There have been many tines that I’ve questioned myself and even my talent at times. There have been other times where I’ve felt stagnant which is not a good thing for a creative who really loves to create. Overall I’ve managed to stay the course and it’s worked out for me. The shelf life for those in the the entertainment industry is really short. There’s a small window to really get after it and make a name for your brand before the new wave of djs come in. Fortunately for me I’ve managed to continue to grow and stay relevant over the years.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well its MIAMI. There’s no wrong answer here. For food we’re hitting up House of Mac in Wynwood, Yardbird on South Beach, Komodo in Brickell, Two Chefs in South Miami and Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard in Kendall, FL. Of course my best friend should want to come visit me at work at a Miami HEAT game so we’ll do that and after we’ll go catch a vibe at the SLS Brickell. Definitely gotta make our daytime rounds by checking out Hyde Beach for a good time and end the night at my favorite spot E11even. On the last day we’ll be completely exhausted so we’ll end with something fun but chill like top golf in Doral. Side note, Komodo also gets it poppin at night. FUN times.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
WOW there are so many to mention in the shaping of who I am as a dj/personality. This might take a while but let’s start with Dj Mike E. Simm for introducing me to the nightlife scene. Mike gave me my first opportunity as a host/mc. Then of course my mentor DJ IRIE who is credited for basically most of my success over the years. From being the 1st DJ in MLB with the the Florida Marlins to joining the Miami HEAT as the number two DJ, to currently taking on a more consistent role with the organization. Not to mention Irie introducing me to another close mentor of mine, one whom I’ve toured with for the last 15 years of my career, the most talented man in entertainment, Jamie Foxx. I owe much to him. He’s one who encourages me to wear as many hats as I can in this industry. As we visit the radio side of my career I have to mention my radio mentor K Foxx and DJ Khlaed. Above all none of this would be possible without God’s favor over me as well as my family and friends who have supported me throughout the years and understood all the times I was too busy with work. I got a small but strong circle.

Website: www.djmdot.com

Instagram: djmdot

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/djmdot

Twitter: djmdottweets

Facebook: www.facebook.com/djmdotfanpage

Other: Clubhouse @djmdot

Image Credits
David “Trick” Alvarez Julia Rose Cristina Sullivan Mikey B Eddie “create” Chance III Peyton Schaefer Nick Vega Jared Pearlman David Badia