Baltimore-born DJ and producer Karizma joined DJ Swingsett on KGNU’s Afternoon Sound Alternative to talk about his musical roots, career, and new projects. Raised in the church and drawn to music from an early age, Karizma began DJing at 13 and producing by 17, creating original tracks for fashion shows. He spoke about mentorship from legendary Baltimore figure DJ Spen and honing his craft with the Basement Boys. Karizma previewed a track from his upcoming album Can’t Call It, due out on R2 Records, featuring UK collaborator Atjazz. (Interview: 6/20/25)
DJ Swingsett: Karizma from Baltimore. Let’s say hello to everybody.
Karizma: Hello, hello.
DJ Swingsett: How are you doing?
Karizma: Real good, man.
DJ Swingsett: You’re sounding pretty good on that mic.
Karizma: Thank you.
DJ Swingsett: Yeah. Welcome to Colorado. You’re playing tomorrow night here in Denver at Temple Nightclub, near the art gallery and bar. Thanks to Stefan for organizing everything for this. It’s a Spiritual Thing Weekender. It’s a spiritual thing—last night, tonight, and tomorrow night—three nights in a row of soulful dance music. I’m so happy to have you here.
How did you get started DJing?
Karizma: Yes. Born and raised in Baltimore. I started in Baltimore. My musical history starts way back when I was a kid in church. Music was always the draw—besides being there for God. I always wanted to be in music. I didn’t know how I was going to be in music, but I just knew somehow I had to be involved.
So it all started for me in church, in the choir—singing. Then, I became president of the choir. At one point, I was going to be a minister, but I chose music. And here we are.
DJ Swingsett: You’re a minister of music nonetheless. Maybe not in a church, but you take people to church at clubs and venues worldwide. You’ve played in multiple countries, across different continents over the years. When did you first start DJing, and how long have you been making, producing, and releasing music on legitimate record labels?
Karizma: I started DJing when I was 13.
DJ Swingsett: Geez.
Karizma: Yeah. I didn’t start doing production until I was 17. At that point, I was doing fashion shows. And instead of using everybody else’s music, I decided to make my own tracks for the fashion shows.
DJ Swingsett: For the models and the runway—wow, what a great idea.
Karizma: I would do different tracks so that we’d be unique. No one could compare our stuff or hear that music anywhere else.
That was the start of it. I was on the radio, and V103 would spin my tracks. That’s how we kind of formed a relationship. I begged him—“Please let me get on the track.”
DJ Swingsett: So Spin is a legendary, very influential producer, DJ, mentor—really a teacher and guide for younger folks from Baltimore. And he happens to be one of your main mentors, right?
Karizma: Mm-hmm.
DJ Swingsett: As you came up as a young man—shout out to Spin. I interviewed him on KGNU on this Afternoon Sound Alternative show a couple years back when he came through to play in Denver. Just a prolific, incredible amount of output from him.
Karizma: So I did a couple jump tracks for a Jazzy Street album, and we kept in touch. Then, a couple years later, he was working on the Mary J. Blige remix of “Beautiful.” He was like, “I want you to come in on this.” So I went to the studio, we did the thing, and I said, “I’m not leaving.”
So that was it—I quit my job and really dove into it. Basement Boys was the place where I really honed my craft. I was able to learn from the greats in my city—Teddy, the Basement Boys, and Jay. They taught me pretty much everything I know about the professional side of music.
DJ Swingsett: Well, you just had the desire and natural talent, coming from the church and your musical background. But to have those guys as your teachers and mentors—just amazing timing. And what an incredible era to come up in—late ’80s, early ’90s.
Anyway, shout out to Basement Boys and all the Baltimore peeps. Let’s share some music from you. You want to tell folks out there—Karizma (and by the way, if you’re not familiar, it’s Karizma)—he also goes by K-Ron, with a K, right?
Karizma: Yes.
DJ Swingsett: Among a couple of other aliases, but the main thing is Karizma with a K, or Kayron. We’re going to hear something new. You want to tell the listeners about this one?
Karizma: Yes. I have a new album coming out on R2 Records called Can’t Call It. I’m really proud to play this for you. It’s a track I did with my friend and brother Atjazz. I love this guy—he is a force in music. So the fact that I had him come in on this was a big deal to me, and I hope you guys enjoy it.
DJ Swingsett: We’re going to hear exclusive, unreleased, brand-new music that’s set to be released in the next couple months.
Karizma: I’ll have a date for you soon. Just check with me on Instagram and you’ll get the updates.
DJ Swingsett: Follow Karizma on Instagram and follow R2 Records, the label this will be coming out on. That’s Karizma with Atjazz, from the UK, combining forces to give us this one. It’s called Hit Bottom. Enjoy it here on KGNU’s Afternoon Sound Alternative.
Karizma: Thank you.
