DJ Dehko Talks ‘Tektroit Vol. 2’: An In-Depth Interview
DJ Dehko is back, and he’s turning up the volume on innovation. As the mastermind behind Tektroit, a groundbreaking fusion of Detroit rap and high-energy EDM, Dehko has carved out a sound that’s both electrifying and unapologetically unique. With the release of Tektroit Vol. 2, he takes his signature style to the next level, enlisting heavy hitters like Audi Money, Tay B, Neisha Neshae, and Payroll Giovanni to bring even more fire to the mix.
From growing up in Detroit, immersed in both hip-hop and electronic beats, to shaking up the industry with a genre of his own making, Dehko isn’t just following trends—he’s creating them. In this exclusive interview, we dive into the making of Tektroit Vol. 2, his vision for the future of music, and how he’s bridging two worlds to redefine what it means to be a DJ and producer today.
Let’s get into it!
You started DJing at a young age. How did your early experiences influence your decision to pursue a music career?
My journey into DJing started when I was just 12 years old. Back in seventh grade, I wanted to throw a party—not just any party, but the party—something that would bring people together and solidify my name in school. I was already known, but I wanted to take it to the next level. So, I hired a DJ, expecting him to set the vibe.
The night came, the place was packed, all the coolest kids pulled up… but the DJ? He completely fumbled. His equipment wouldn’t work, the energy was dying, and the party was on the verge of flopping. Something in me refused to let that happen. I jumped in, messed around with the gear, somehow got everything working, and took over the party myself. The second the music hit, the energy flipped, and the place went crazy. That was the moment I realized the true power of a DJ—the ability to control a crowd, shift an entire atmosphere, and create something unforgettable.
From that night on, I was hooked. I took every dollar I had and bought my first DJ setup, spending hours in my room, locked in, learning everything I could. Not many people know I started that young, but the earlier you start, the farther you can go.
I threw dozens of parties with different crowds and locations—anywhere I could get a chance to DJ. Over time, I became known for throwing the best parties in the city. The crowds grew from small gatherings to thousands of people. Eventually, we started charging, and by the time I was 16, DJing wasn’t just a passion—it was a business.
Music was always part of my life. My dad used to blast 2Pac, Biggie, and all the hip-hop classics in the car when I was a kid, so naturally, I started DJing hip-hop and open-format sets. But at 14, I stumbled upon an Ultra Music Festival after a movie while surfing the internet—and that changed everything. I had never seen anything like it. The energy, the lights, the connection between the DJ and the crowd—it was a whole different world. That was the moment I fell in love with electronic music, and from there, I knew I wanted to fuse it with the sounds I grew up on.
That discovery set me on the path to where I am today—blending EDM with Detroit rap in a way no one’s done before. And it all started with a party that almost didn’t happen.
What inspired you to combine Detroit rap with EDM, and how do you see this fusion evolving?
As a DJ playing both genres, I started noticing a gap. EDM fans craved more lyrical depth, something beyond just drops and buildups. Meanwhile, rap fans were getting tired of hearing the same beat variations over and over. I saw an opportunity to bridge that gap—blending the best of both worlds into something completely original.
Detroit was the perfect place to make it happen. It’s the birthplace of techno and home to one of the most influential rap scenes in the world. I felt like I was in the right city, at the right time, with the right vision. Nobody else had done it, and I knew I could make it a reality. That’s how Tektroit was born.
Structurally, my songs usually include two rap verses, a hook, and two dance drops. Sometimes I even blend a traditional hip-hop beat into an EDM track, making it feel like three or four songs in one. Blending genres is the future—it allows you to satisfy multiple audiences while creating an entirely new sound in the process.
Beyond just innovating, I wanted to create something that truly set me apart as an artist. It wasn’t about following trends—it was about giving people something they didn’t even realize they wanted. I had already been blending EDM and rap live in my sets, making mashups on the fly, so making original music in that style felt like the natural next step. Now, I see it growing beyond just Detroit rap—this fusion can work with hip-hop artists from all over. The potential is limitless.
Can you explain the concept behind Tektroit and how it reflects your vision for blending genres?
Tektroit is a genre that fuses rap and electronic dance music, combining the energy of EDM with the rawness of hip-hop. While it started with Detroit rap, it isn’t limited to just that—any style of rap can be layered over electronic production.
What makes Tektroit unique is the way I bring artists into a different creative space. A lot of rappers haven’t worked with EDM before, and when they step into my world, I push them beyond their comfort zone. They hear the beat, they feel the vibe, and suddenly, they’re creating something they never thought possible. That’s the magic of Tektroit.
How do you select artists to collaborate with on projects like Tektroit Vol. 2? What qualities do you look for in potential collaborators?
Every collaboration is different. Sometimes I discover an artist through their music and instantly hear how they’d sound on one of my records. Other times, artists reach out to me, or people introduce me to someone they think would be a good fit.
One thing I’ve learned: the biggest artist isn’t always the best artist for the job. Some of the biggest names are only in it for the bag, and I don’t work with people who just want a check. I want hungry artists—people who care about making history, not just another song.
I look for versatility—artists who aren’t stuck in one sound, who are open to pushing boundaries and experimenting with something new. When I explain Tektroit to them, I pay attention to their reaction. If they truly get it, I know they’re the right fit. And when I play them the music, their excitement tells me everything I need to know.
Describe your typical workflow when producing tracks that blend rap and EDM elements.
Having a strong team in the studio is crucial. I’ve worked with the same core group throughout both Tektroit projects, and we’ve developed a system to make this music as efficient as possible.
Since this fusion is new to many rappers, we sometimes start by playing reference tracks so they can understand the flow. From there, we map out the theme, structure, and lyrical style. Rap often sticks to certain topics, but since this is dance music, we have to guide artists toward different subject matter that fits the vibe.
Our engineer, Julian at Royal House Recording, plays a big role in shaping the final sound. As the executive producer, I oversee the entire session, making sure the artist has what they need to deliver their best performance. Some artists hear the track for the first time in the studio, while others get it sent to them beforehand—it all depends on whether I already know the song is perfect for them.
How does growing up in Detroit influence your music style and collaborations? Are there specific local influences or themes that appear in your work?
Growing up in Detroit was a blessing as a DJ and producer. The city has such a deep musical legacy—techno was born here, and the rap scene is one of the most influential in the country. It still blows my mind that nobody thought to merge these two worlds before.
If you know Detroit rap, you’ll instantly recognize its influence in my music. That signature flow, that bounce, that energy—it’s all in there. And let’s not forget, Detroit has produced some of the biggest names in hip-hop: Eminem, Big Sean, Tee Grizzley, 42 Dugg, Skilla Baby, Payroll Giovanni, Babyface Ray… the list goes on. Being surrounded by that level of talent constantly pushes me to take my sound to the next level.
What were some of the biggest challenges faced while creating Tektroit Vol. 1 or Vol. 2? How did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was getting rappers to understand the vision at first. A lot of them had never rapped over dance music before, so they weren’t sure how it would sound. But that actually became one of the most exciting parts—seeing their reaction when they finally got it.
That moment when an artist hears the beat starts nodding their head, and suddenly delivers something insane—that’s what makes it all worth it.
Another challenge was structuring the songs. Since Tektroit blends two genres, it’s not as simple as just laying verses over a beat. After recording, I spend a lot of time editing the production, adding effects, and fine-tuning the arrangement. A lot of times, rappers will freestyle something that ends up becoming the hook without even realizing it, and I have to catch those moments and structure the song around them.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that fans should be excited about? Perhaps working with bigger names as mentioned earlier?
Yes! I’m working on a remix project that takes some of my favorite rap songs—both from Detroit and across the U.S.—and flips them into EDM remixes.
It’s going to be a crazy mix of classic records, new heat, and sounds that people have never heard before.
How do you adapt your live shows to reflect the energy of both electronic dance music and hip-hop? Do different venues influence how you structure these performances?
We market to both EDM and hip-hop crowds, and that’s what makes the live experience so unique—people get the best of both worlds.
Each venue brings its vibe. Some places are more EDM-focused, so we’ll lean heavier into the dance elements. Others cater more to hip-hop, so we’ll structure the set accordingly. Lighting, stage production, and visuals all play a big role in how we bring the music to life. That’s the beauty of Tektroit—it’s versatile enough to work in any setting.
Looking forward, what kind of legacy would you like Tektroit to leave on the music scene, particularly within Detroit’s vibrant cultural landscape?
At the end of the day, I want Tektroit to be remembered as a movement that changed the game. I want people to see that if they have a vision, they should go all in and turn it into something real.
Music is timeless. It’s a language, an art form, an energy that nothing else can replicate. I’ve had some of the best producers in the world tell me that what I’m doing is timeless—and that’s exactly what I’m aiming for.
Detroit is just getting started. This is only the foundation of something much bigger. And for all the artists and producers who have been part of this journey, I’m beyond grateful. If you’ve got a vision—chase it, build it, and make history.
To keep up with DJ Dehko’s journey, follow him on Instagram and Facebook, and don’t forget to stream his music on Spotify!
