As Minding My Business continue to celebration our local unsung heroes, it is our pleasure to present Duran Alicea (bka DJ Ran) ia New Jersey Native, a product of the city of Irvington, he attended elementary and high school in Irvington, New Jersey. DJ Ran, fell in love with music at a young age and began to build his foundation at the local high school, house, basement, and block parties. (Ya’ll remember those right?) He is a well sought-after DJ leaving his footprint across this country bringing his beats to liven up any event.
DJ Ran had something special and approached Against All Odds, retail chain (United States) store’s management team with a proposal in 1998, that allowed him to DJ in the store free of charge for one year with the promise to review the impact of his presence and the potential increase in sales. After a year, the comparison was made, and it was discovered that sales had increased by 30% and Against All Odds chain store hired DJ Ran as their marketing director. DJ Ran worked all the locations and ultimately assisted the owner to expand his retail chain from 3 stores to 60 locations worldwide. DJ Ran toured the country displaying his mixes and artistry. Against All Odds had stores in the following states: New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and California, needless to say DJ Ran was a fixture in them all. DJ Ran has also performed internationally at destination weddings in St. Lucia, Jamaica, Mexico, and St. Martin.
In 2013, He was also the 107.5 WBLS Harlem Week DJ Competition Finalist and is now one of the WBLS featured Holiday Mix Masters for this accomplishment for the past 8 years. Additionally, he is also a member of Explore Talent Casting Agency where he is available for movies, videos, tv ads & tv commercials. DJ Ran is an accomplished hyphenated artist, like all art there are different techniques, and DJ Ran’s technique are one that the world should take notice of.
In 2018, DJ Ran left Against All Odds to pursue his own career, as the CEO of “DeeJayRan Entertainment, LLC”, where he specializes in luxury and destination weddings, proms, fundraisers, corporate events, and mobile gigs. He hosts high end parties and social gatherings for Actors and Actress such as Darren Henson of “Soul Food” and “Stomp the Yard” Mi Mi of VH1 (Love and Hip Hop of Atlanta), comedian Michael Blackson and Queen Latifah, etc.
His most rewarding work is when he gives back to the community and supports the youth. He has been found providing his DJ expertise to events and fundraisers to many nonprofit organizations, to name a few: Newark Boys and Girls Club, Broadway Unit, Newark, NJ for 7 years and the East Orange Police Athletic League, also in New Jersey for 5 years. One of his most memorable moments is when he DJed for a formal Black and White Ball held by the East Orange Police Athletic League, what an event. You can also find him lending his skills to the NJ Bulldogs and AAU Basketball Organization to help keep the youth engaged and enjoying themselves. DJ Ran is all about our youth and providing them with a healthy and safe environment to be entertained.
A new star is on the rise and there’s no doubt that he has the potential to achieve his goal to become one of the world’s most notarized DJs. DJ Ran is not an artist lacking focus or desire. DJ Ran knows what he wants and believes that it’s only a matter of time before he shares his musical talents with the world.
DJ Ran can be reached on all social media platforms @DeeJayRan or on (973) 220-5488.
