In this special solo edition of Tha Dream Hu$$le Podcast, the mic turns inward as DJ Universe breaks down his own journey from grind to greatness. From selling digital sweets on CountsCandies.com to launching Down By Law Management LLC, DJU shares how he built a brand, a business, and a blueprint from scratch. He unpacks the highs, the lows, the vision behind his movement, and why betting on yourself is the ultimate hustle. This episode is loaded with game for indie artists, creative entrepreneurs, and dreamers everywhere ready to move with purpose. Inside this episode: • The story behind Counts Candies & Everlasting Impressionz • Why DJ Universe signed himself • Lessons in business, branding, and creative survival • How to build culture and community from the ground up #ThaDreamHusslePodcast #DJUniverse #DownByLawManagement #IndieArtistBlueprint #CountsCandies #HipHopEntrepreneurship
DJ Universe
Yooo, what’s crackin’, what’s happenin’! It’s your boy, DJ Universe, and yes—today it’s all about the man behind the mic, the vision behind the mission, and the grind behind the brand. Welcome to a very special edition of Tha Dream Hustle Podcast.
DJ Universe
Now I don’t usually shine the spotlight on myself, you know what I’m sayin’? But if you gon’ talk hustle, strategy, and legacy—you better believe DJ Universe got a story worth tellin’. From building studios in RVs to managing artists, and running digital storefronts... This ain’t just a career, this is a lifestyle, a testimony.
DJ Universe
This episode is about how I turned candy into currency, dreams into data, and a laptop into legacy. So, sit back, vibe with me, and let’s get into it—right now!
DJ Universe
Man, look—I wasn’t born with a silver mic in my hand or, you know, like, some fast track to the top. Nah, I came up out the mud with, like, straight-up nothin’ but a big vision, my laptop, and this unshakable belief, you know, that if I just kept building, the people would feel it. I mean, really feel it.
DJ Universe
See, back when I started in Ohio, resources were slim—like, slim-slim. But I knew, I just knew, my grind had to be bigger than my surroundings. That’s why I made the move to Florida. And nah, it wasn’t easy. I sacrificed like crazy—slept in an RV, hustled out wherever I could—all to build what? A recording studio on wheels. Yeah. Mobile dreams, man. That was the foundation.
DJ Universe
What came out of that struggle wasn’t just music, nah, it was a movement. It was something bigger than me, for real. But, like, let me break it down, though. You can check for yourself—Counts Candies dot com. That thing right there? That wasn’t just your average hustle. See, it started as a way to fund the bigger picture—digital candy sales to bankroll the dream. Every click, every purchase, every product—it all fed the vision. That’s what ownership looks like. That’s strategy, boss-level plays.
DJ Universe
And that right there? That’s why DJ Universe is DJ Universe. Built not bought, you feel me?
DJ Universe
See, here’s the thing—when I say I’m a DJ, that’s just one thread in the whole tapestry, you know? I’m a producer, engineer, vlogger, entrepreneur—man, I’m your favorite artist’s favorite manager. I mean, I don’t just play roles... I wear crowns. All of ‘em. And and I take pride in that. For real.
DJ Universe
Now, check this out—if you wanna see the grind on display, you gotta hit up my YouTube channel. Everlasting Impressions Studios. And yeah—impressions with a Z at the end, not an S. It’s important, ‘cause, like, you’re lookin’ at behind-the-scenes magic there. Studio sessions, podcast heat, lessons you ain’t ever gonna find in some classroom. It’s that unfiltered, raw insight into the hustle.
DJ Universe
Oh, and on I G? DJ dot Universe—you already know the vibe. I keep it locked in, man. Always visuals, always value. From posting crazy beat-making sessions to, you know, flipping candy packets into straight gold, I keep it movin’ nonstop. Non. Stop.
DJ Universe
And for my OGs still on Facebook—man, we go way back. At Sweet Gummy Bears. That page right there? It’s, like, family. They been holdin’ me down since I was just setting up shop, pushing dreams outta nowhere. Promoting artists, building the culture, spreading love—it’s all there. Always in motion, always forward.
DJ Universe
Yo, so if you're out here thinking about why I did it—why I signed myself under Down By Law Management LLC—let me tell you straight up, it’s ‘cause I believe in betting on yourself. Like, hands down, there’s no better investment than your own brilliance. You feel me?
DJ Universe
And it’s bigger than me, man. Way bigger. I wanted to show every artist out there—you don’t need big industry cosigns or some label puppeteering your moves. Nah. You can create your own lane, drive your own career, and still win. I mean, look, look—I’m living proof the blueprint works. Every strategy, every step? It’s been battle-tested. I’m standing as CEO and client to show y’all this formula delivers. Straight like that.
DJ Universe
Here’s the thing—when I built Down By Law, it wasn’t to control artists, you know what I’m sayin’? It was to free ‘em. Free their creativity, their grind, their dreams. This ain’t no trap-house mentality; it’s a mansion mindset. We provide the game, the tools, and the structure these labels ain’t gonna give you, ever. Period. That’s the mission right there.
DJ Universe
I mean, what’s the point in waiting for a seat at the table, right? We out here building whole tables, flipping 'em into empires. From artist development to content strategy to closing brand deals—we don’t wait. We create. And that’s the energy you gotta move with. Create. Create it all.
DJ Universe
So yeah, DJ Universe is on the roster, but here’s the flex—I’m also the boss. And and I did this to show y’all you can apply this model and make it work for you. Don’t let doubt hold you back, man—bet on yourself, and watch everything shift.
DJ Universe
Alright, so, real quick—let’s talk lessons. Lessons from the hustle, man. Straight from the trenches, no fluff, no filters. Lesson one? Bet on yourself, big time. If you ain’t believing in your own vision, then why should anyone else? You gotta, gotta act like your dream is the most valuable stock out there—ain’t no time for hesitation, you feel me?
DJ Universe
And remember this—ain’t nothin’ gonna happen without discipline. Hustle ain’t a vibe; it’s a lifestyle. It’s daily decisions, daily priorities, and sometimes missing out on all the fun stuff ‘cause you’re focused on building bigger things. I mean, honestly, those long late nights in my RV? Man, they shaped me, they built me. I realized, sacrifice now equals freedom later. Period.
DJ Universe
Another thing? Adaptation. Look, everything changes. Trends, tools, the audience—you name it, it keeps evolving. And if you ain’t learning, if you ain’t growing with the times, you’re falling behind. That’s why, from selling candy to flipping tracks, I kept reinventing myself, stayed sharp, stayed ready.
DJ Universe
But one of the biggest gems I can give you is this—collaboration is key. You might can do a lot on your own, yeah, but the real power? It’s in building relationships, working with people who elevate your vision. Don’t compete—create together. We all win bigger that way, trust me. Trust me on that.
DJ Universe
And look, let me hit you with this last one for now—don’t ever let failure define you. Nah. Let it refine you. It’s not about how many times you fall, it’s about, like, how many times you throw yourself back in the ring. If one hustle gets shut down, you pivot, you shift, and you come back harder. That’s the game, and that’s winning.
DJ Universe
Alright, listen up—here’s the deal. If you’re vibin’ with what we’re doin’ here, you know what to do. First off, hit YouTube—Everlasting Impressions Studios—impressions with a Z, not an S. That’s where all the magic happens, behind the scenes, the stories, the energy.
DJ Universe
Then, slide over to Instagram—DJ dot Universe—where it’s nothing but heat. And for my day-ones, Facebook’s still rockin’ at Sweet Gummy Bears. Oh, and for the hustlers ready to take it next level, check us out at Down By Law Management LLC dot com. We’re not just hustling, we’re leveling up. Every. Single. Day.
DJ Universe
Remember, this ain’t just a podcast—it’s a platform. This ain’t just a story—it’s a system. You got the tools, I’m just layin’ the blueprint. And if I could do all this, starting from scratch, man, just imagine what you can do when you’re locked into your own power.
DJ Universe
So listen, keep hustlin’, keep dreaming, and most importantly? Keep building something real. Something that lasts. That’s the mission, always the mission.
DJ Universe
I’m DJ Universe, and with that, I’m out. Peace!
Chapters (6)
About the podcast
Join DJ Universe- Hip-Hop artist manager, DJ, producer, Engineer, content creator, author, and entrepreneur- as he bridges the gap between raw talent and industry expertise. Raised in Ohio and thriving in Florida DJ Universe shares powerful stories of resilience, creativity, and the grind of building a music empire from scratch. Each episode new talent among emerging artists, insights into the ever-evolving world of Hip-Hop, and motivational lessons to turn your dreams into reality.
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