Mario Rodriguez

Mario Rodriguez, also known as DJ Chonz, is a prominent figure in Denver's music and education scene. As the Co-Founder and Senior DJ Instructor at Denver DJ School, he has made significant contributions to the local community and hip-hop culture.17

Background and Career

Mario Rodriguez's journey in the music industry began at a young age. At 15, he attended a house party hosted by the famous hip-hop and breaking group Rock Steady Crew, which likely sparked his interest in the field.3 Throughout his career, Rodriguez has explored various elements of hip-hop culture, including b-boying, graffiti art, emceeing, and DJing.2

Professional Achievements

Radio Personality:: Rodriguez gained widespread recognition as "DJ Chonz," becoming one of Colorado's most well-known DJs and a long-time disc jockey for Denver's largest hip-hop station.4

Denver DJ School:: In 2018, Mario and his wife Brenda Rodriguez co-founded the Denver DJ School, which has become a hub for aspiring DJs and music enthusiasts.7

Educational Initiatives:: Rodriguez has been actively involved in education, creating after-school DJ programs to help students explore music and gain confidence socially and emotionally.1 He also teaches the art of DJing to students at Lake Middle School, providing them with opportunities to explore this creative field.5

Philanthropy

Rodriguez established the DJ Chonz Foundation to support youth in developing their interests in music and the arts.6 This initiative demonstrates his commitment to giving back to the community and nurturing the next generation of artists.

Mario Rodriguez's multifaceted career as a DJ, educator, and community leader has significantly impacted Denver's music scene and youth development programs. His work continues to inspire and educate aspiring DJs and music professionals in Colorado.