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Straight Official Magazine

SOMag Presents “The Fleet Files” With Fleet DJ’s: DJ Laz Vagez | @lazvagez416

FOR OVER TWO DECADES, THE FLEET DJ’S HAS GROWN FROM A SMALL CREW TO A PROFICIENT COALITION WITH OVER 500 MEMBERS AND COUNTING. SINCE 2001, THE WORLDWIDE FLEET DJ’S HAS CHANGED THE LIVES OF BOTH ITS MEMBERS AND THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY THEY HAVE THRIVED IN.
THESE ARE THE MEMBERS. HERE ARE THEIR STORIES. WELCOME TO “THE FLEET FILES”!

They don’t call it the WORLDWIDE Fleet DJ’s for no reason. In this file, we head across the U.S. border to Ontario, Canada where we meet none other than artist, producer, engineer, DJ Laz Vagez. It’s safe to say that he is a jack of all trades, and we can’t be mad at that because most of the illustrious Fleet members are. Vagez became a member in 2009 and returned in 2021. So, who is DJ Laz Vagez and how dare he be from Canada with a name like Laz Vagez? Let’s jump right into it!

WHY LAZ VAGEZ STANDS OUT

He came up with his name years ago when he was a radio host for Champ Radio at a local university when he was alongside Hollywood and M Dot (RIP). It was only fitting, but he started his career long before that. At the age 12, he started rapping under the moniker D’Sinatra. By 14 years old, he dedicated his life’s work of engineering to help the hood come up. I guess that’s why you can rarely go to state where he doesn’t know anyone. Fun fact: did you know that Laz Vagez was a credited engineer on a Smiley/Drake collab? He’s really making a name for himself out here.

STRAIGHT OFFICIAL, FORREAL

Vagez is a real asset to us here in Fleet and on the Straight Official staff being that he is one of the program directors on Straight Official Radio. Since he’s so involved in the radio scene, I asked him what the top 3 songs are that he listens to all the time. His playlist right now includes $500 ounces x Westside Gunn, ‘97 Hov x Benny the Butcher, CTG x D’Sinatra & Rock Nitty. He says that becoming a DJ allowed him to learn to read crowds and recognize what music meshes well with other music and to love and respect other genres. He has a lot of people looking up to him so even we think he’s going hard; he’s already thinking of ways to go harder.

Artists, stay consistent. Find a producer and continue to work with that person, that’s how you create saucy hits. Producers, be willing to create new sounds and network. Put out your work anywhere and everywhere. Make beat kits and drum kits and COLLAB! We can collab with anyone all over the world

Laz Vagez’s advice to upcoming industry members

FUTURE FOR VAGEZ

What’s next for the multi-talented DJ? He’s currently in the process of perfecting his production craft in order to build a project like the Metro Boomin‘ x 21 Savage collab. I hear he’s coming out with an online course for engineers as well. I’m so grateful to connect with such a powerhouse. He’s not a person you can be around and remain stagnant. I’m excited to see what he achieves in the next decade.

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SOMag Presents “The Fleet Files” With Fleet DJ’s: DJ Les Rico | @djlesrico

For over two decades, the fleet dj’s has grown from a small crew to a proficient coalition with over 500 members and counting. since 2001, THE WORLDWIDE FLEET DJ’s has changed the lives of both its members and the entertainment industry they have thrived in.

These are the members. These are Their Stories. THESE ARE “THE FLEET FILES”

Name: DJ Les Rico

FLeet DJ Since: 2019

Location: Jacksonville, Florida

Region: south region/Florida Fleet DJ’s

WHO IS DJ LES RICO?

Even before joining The Worldwide Fleet DJ’s, DJ Les Rico knew that being a DJ was his passion. When I asked him what inspired him to become a DJ, he referred to a memory that has stuck with him for years. “Living in the lower eastside of Manhattan, we would have block parties in the parks. There were local DJs that taught me a lot. It sparked my interest and kept me out of trouble.” Rico has over 30 years experience in being a DJ. Like his coalition family, he dons several hats. He is a recruiter for the Latin division of Fleet as well as DJ for Straight Official Radio.

Enrique Ramos is a man that is grounded by his family values. “I focus on keeping family a priority. Making time for both them and DJ’ing.” Being currently retired, Rico spoke on how he maintains balance in his life. “I utilize my time DJ’ing while my wife works to keep balance over everything.”

Rico has encountered his share of peaks and valleys in his career. His best moment came from one of his largest events. “My best moment was when I DJ’d at a 3-day event and on the last day it was at DeSoto Park in front of a huge crowd! The joy that I felt was indescribable!” When Rico spoke on his valley, it had nothing to do with being a DJ. It dealt more with a medical condition that he has had for over two decades.

Having a medical condition I am challenged everyday. Playing my music helps me to defeat how I am feeling.

DJ Les Rico on how he deals with his condition

RICO’S WAY OF LIFE

In 1998, Rico’s life would change forever. “I was diagnosed as AIDS positive on June 29 1998, with a 16 T-cell count and not given a good chance to live.” Even with this placed upon him, Rico found both strength and courage from the one thing that meant the most to him… his family. “But with the love and support of my family, I am currently now with T-cell over 1200 and undetectable! I am living with God and with the love of your family, anything is possible!”

It was the same joy that Rico got from DJ’ing at DeSoto Park that helped tremendously with his condition. “It has become a healing force against my battle with HIV.” I asked Rico how he came up with his stage name. “DJ on the Lower East Side of NYC!” (laughs)

As we further spoke, I found out just how giving he is when it comes to his craft. “I have events free of cost on many occasions. Anytime or any place, I embrace the opportunity to help local charitable organizations and help support fellow DJs.”

DJ Les Rico and wife, Lisa

IN CLOSING

I have met many goals in my life. I am seeking new ones with each experience I undertake.

DJ Les Rico

DJ Les Rico is a fine addition to the Fleet DJ family. With his own family being the center of his life, it’s no secret that he is successful in all that he does within Fleet. You can follow DJ Les Rico on Instagram and tune in to Straight Official Radio to hear him in action!

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