Unstoppable: Anton “DJ Hear No Evil” Abraham has shown the world that being deaf can’t hold him back from succeeding in the music world
There are literally thousands upon thousands of DJ’s who share the same dream as me. However, It rare to see a young black deaf DJ like me who can actually spin on Technics Essentially, I’ve been completely deaf in one ear and partially deaf in my other ear since I was a baby. With this I have to work 10 times as hard as any DJ to perfect my craft and be top notch. Among many other battles that I’ve won, the Spin- off DJ battle in Brooklyn In 2018. This win was especially significant to me because not only did I get a chance to honor my father with the music I was playing that won my sets for me, but I got a chance to make a stamp in my home state (New York) and show the community that a “disability” doesn’t stop you from being the best. In 2018 I also received a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to Jamaica and speak with school aged children about the art of DJing and what it means to me to be a Deaf DJ. That there’s no excuses, It’s always good to stay humble and let my hands speak for themselves where I can tell my story. I have to break the barriers! I have no choice. I am putting in the work to be the change I want to see in the world!
As part of my series featuring the rising stars in the music industry, I had the pleasure of interviewing Anton “DJ Hear No Evil” Abraham. The artistry of being a Disc Jockey “DJ” is a rare gift. There are a few DJs who comprehend, or even embrace this extraordinary talent. However Anton “DJ Hear No Evil” Abraham aka “The Silent Assassin” embodies being a DJ to the fullest extent. DJ Hear No Evil is a deaf DJ hence the name. He is here to break barriers, and aspires take the music industry by storm. DJ Hear No Evil (H.N.E) is from a small 4.2 SQ mile suburb in Westchester, New York. The name of the city is Mount Vernon. Mt.Vernon has produced many notable legends, such as Heavy D, Doug E. Fresh, Denzel Washington, J.B. Smoove, and Pete Rock just to name a few. It lies on the border of one of the five boroughs in New York City, The Bronx (coined the birthplace of hip hop). DJ Hear No Evil has overcome many obstacles. Needless to say he is destined to be one of the greatest. He fell in love with music during his young teenage years. He realized that this was his calling because he could let his hands speak for themselves. With this amazing talent he has soared to high places early on in his career, and exceeded other people expectations of him. He has shown how much passion he has for becoming a DJ and a Producer by endless networking, practicing, and sleepless nights. Although he experiences up and downs, just as everyone else does. He has a strong support system that is always there to assist, and uplift him during rough times. Being influenced by artists such DJ Scratch, Kid Capri, Jazzy Jeff, DJ Sussone to name a few, DJ Hear No Evil continues to set a high standard for himself shown through his showcases, mixtapes, and his receptiveness to constructive criticism. Although he is aware of the competition in the DJ world, he believes that he is in competition with no one but himself. To him this means that yes to be a great DJ one must surround oneself among the greats, but also to be better he must be better than he was the day before. He is not afraid to display to many people how his story on the turntables is extremely different from other DJs. In addition, he has been involved in various DJ communities where he can spin with some the best DJs, network and compete in DJ competitions; such as the USA DMC DJ battle where he was the 1st deaf DJ to participate, and Winter Music Conference, where he placed 4th. Although he has won a DJ battle which he obtained a 1st place is definitely one of his goals that he is working towards accomplishing more. He will not stop until he has done so, which shows his determination. In addition he has also traveled to share and inspire the community through his testimony at the American Sign Language workshop in Texas, and the youth at M.S. 88 in Brooklyn, NY. Along with being an active member in DJ community he was featured in the Westside Gazette in Miami from being interviewed after Winter Music Conference DJ battle, as before mentioned. He was also on News 12 Westchester with Hardbodies Bootcamp, and the Shea Moisture promotion video featuring Down goes Fraser, an Instafamous comedian, and Rotimi, which you all may know as “Dre” from Power. DJ Hear No Evil continues to spin at a numerous of events country wide often making connections through his social media where people can reach out to him for other inquires. His work is highly promoted not only by friends and family, but by Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, especially his chapter Mu Sigma of Rochester Institute of Technology. His distinctive ability to keep listeners engaged, and crowds entertained makes him impossible to forget. Often people question how can he hair the rhythm so well to be a deaf DJ. This statement is soon after followed with high praises such as, “You’re Amazing” and “I want you to DJ for my next event.” DJ Hear No Evil is not just a “deaf dj”. He is a INNOVATOR, someone who pushes the limits, a hip-hop mogul if you will! His impairment does not define him. He is the true definition of the sky is the limit to what you can achieve if you believe in yourself. You can find him to spinning on Hot914 Radio station (Inthemixxradio) in Yonkers
Thank you so much for joining us Anton! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
As a youngster I went downstairs to the dining room where my father left his turntable, Technic 1200, on the table. It was already hooked up. I think he went out to DJ for an event, and my mom was upstairs watching TV. I played the music and tried to scratch but it sounded horrible. That’s when my mom came downstairs to turned it off without hesitation. I tried to give her a reputable reason why I did this, but she wasn’t hearing what I had to say. I started to pay attention more to understand the Hip-Hop culture when I touched on those wheels (Turntables) at the age of 13. However, I must admit that after that initial introduction to the dj world, for a while I lost sight of why I loved to be a dj. My father however continued to mentor, train and teach me how to understand the importance of becoming a Disc Jockey (DJ), and to be one of the greatest.
Alongside my father, my uncle (my father’s best friend/ fellow DJ) showed me the ropes of DJ game as well. The funny thing is my father’s best friend is my best friend’s father. The four of us are all deejays. My father passed away in 2013 and best friend passed away in 2008 so, their memory kept me motivated and fueled my drive and passion for the craft of djing even more!
Can you share the most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your music career?
There are literally thousands upon thousands of DJ’s who share the same dream as me. However, It rare to see a young black deaf DJ like me who can actually spin on Technics Essentially, I’ve been completely deaf in one ear and partially deaf in my other ear since I was a baby. With this I have to work 10 times as hard as any DJ to perfect my craft and be top notch. Among many other battles that I’ve won, the Spin- off DJ battle in Brooklyn In 2018. This win was especially significant to me because not only did I get a chance to honor my father with the music I was playing that won my sets for me, but I got a chance to make a stamp in my home state (New York) and show the community that a “disability” doesn’t stop you from being the best. In 2018 I also received a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to Jamaica and speak with school aged children about the art of DJing and what it means to me to be a Deaf DJ. That there’s no excuses, It’s always good to stay humble and let my hands speak for themselves where I can tell my story. I have to break the barriers! I have no choice. I am putting in the work to be the change I want to see in the world!
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I’m actually working with upcoming artists to produce songs that the whole world want to hear with the hope that it’ll go viral. Also, I’m hosting an events near the future in New York and Washington DC, where I can get deaf and hearing people can interact and network with each other, while I DJ. For me this is bridging the Gap between the deaf and hearing communities.
Which people in history inspire you the most? Why?
It’s difficult to choose but I’m going with DJ Scratch. He’s the grandmaster and one of the most influential DJs who created his own style on Technics 1200. He also took his skills to next level and ventured into production. He has made hits for big names like Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J etc. He’s one of the DJ actually paved the way for the DJ community. He is distinctively different and a trend setter. He is someone who I admire and definitely learn from.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Being a Deaf DJ for so long has already opened so many doors for me, but I can only ride that momentum for so long. I have to do more and push forward. With that being said, at this point, I realize that I have to get creative and more unique within my own craftsmanship so my authenticity shows through my work and actions. Of course i’ll continue to be more involved with the community especially deaf/hard of hearing community with speaking engagements, podcast, etc. which will only improve my impact. I do however plan on looking more into production. I also just received an invite to DJ on a set every 3rd Friday at a club in DC this summer. I’m excited to continue to share my story, build my presence, and influence others all over the country. Giving back is key!
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
My advice to people who are in the entertainment industry is to stay on the grind! If you’re really hungry, you’ll get to where you want to be. Also, understand the importance of the different dj fields, such as real DJs using Technic 1200 turntables. The most significant thing is to study, learn daily and create your own craft to create an opportunity. Don’t limit yourself. Your greatness is within you!
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each..
- Never be afraid to invest in yourself and your craft.
- Stay Fearless and always go after what you want if you really put your mind to it with your abilities and gift that you can’t neglect. It won’t be easy as it looks once you get comfortable in uncomfortable position.
- Keep it positive as much as you can because no matter where you are and what you doing, you won’t be accomplish anything without a positive mindset, a set of values and faith. You never know what could happen! Take everything as it comes, and do your best.
- Failure leads to challenge and challenge to success. Success is hard work, sweat, and tears but worth it in the end.
- Lastly, only compete with yourself! No one else can define your measure of success, you define your measure of success. Wake up and be a better version of you then you were yesterday and the day before that. Exceed your own expectations. Outside of practice and hard work, that’s how you become the best.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to interview and be in touch with some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she just might see this, especially if we tag them 🙂
I think it would be awesome to sit down with business and hip hop mogul’s Jay-Z, and Beyonce. He stays hungry and him and his wife are always in tune. They both make very popular music while pursuing other business ventures. He has many ways to generate different sources of income, reforming the criminal justice system, attempt to build a movement to change the world. I would ask him, “what is the best advice on how to handle all of that and still become hip hop mogul?” I’m quite sure they would be shocked and never think I would want to achieve such greatness after I tell them my story and explain why being a DJ/ Producer is my passion. There isn’t really a lot of reputable deaf talents in entertainment and business world and there’s so much more that we can provide, which is why we (deaf/hard of hearing people) are trying to break the barriers.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
You can follow me on Instagram: @djhearnoevil , Facebook fan page: DJ Hear No Evil and Twitter: @djhearnoevil15