Sissy That Strut: DJ Slim Thicc

Q: Where were you born and where do you consider home these days? 

A: Louisville born, Jeffersonville, Ind., raised, but I consider Louisville home ALWAYS. After I graduated from UofL, I traveled a lot to larger cities like L.A., New York and Chicago. I truly loved those places, but they just weren’t checking all the boxes. The more I’ve poured into Louisville, the more it has poured into me. Also, when I retire, if it’s not under water by then, I will be spending a lot of time in New Orleans. 

Q: What inspired you to make the leap into DJing? 

A: Post-college I was looking for community. I started going out quite a bit to the popular dance spots and noticed there was no one who looked like me, a queer black woman, who was playing music anywhere! Spring of 2023 will be my fifth year as Slim Thicc, and I now consider myself a community builder through DJing. Music is about feeling represented, like you belong somewhere. I know that sounds corny, but that’s how I feel. I want queer black people, queer people, black people to come into the room I’m playing in and know: YOU BELONG. That’s always been the driving factor for me. 

Q: What’s a perfect day in your world?

A: Sleep in, eat cinnamon rolls, go on a long walk with my girlfriend or a good friend. Then go around the city, fuck around, eat good food, and DJ at night. I’m an extrovert and a Gemini, so I’m very focused and aligned. I won’t do something unless I’m 110% into it. DJing is not work for me. It’s a love, it’s a hobby, it’s an escape to be creative. 

Q: What’s your favorite word in the world of profanity? 

A: I use “fuck” all the time. I have to catch myself not to say it at my day job a lot. Oh, and I love to say “pussy.” Not sure if that’s profanity. (Laughs) “Pussy” is just so powerful, and I use it positively. 

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

A: “No one can replace you if you are truly being yourself.” As years have gone by, whatever room I step in, I try and show up as my authentic, genuine self and know that I’m in that space for a reason. Don’t be a fucking copy cat. 

Q: What’s next for DJ Slim Thicc? 

A: Louisville lost several music venues recently. I was so invested in The Wiggle Room because it was truly built from the ground up. Moving forward, it’s my No. 1 priority to find a bar or event space that builds community: A place for the people, by the people.