This D.J. Explained

"This D.J." is a song by American hip hop artist Warren G. It was released in July 1994 by Def Jam as the second single from his debut album, Regulate...G Funk Era (1994). Released as the follow-up to his hit song "Regulate", "This D.J." was another success for Warren G, becoming his second consecutive top 10 single in the US, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)—signifying sales of 600,000 copies.^{[2] [3]}

Warren G revealed in 2023, during an interview for Drink Champs, that "This DJ"'s chorus was written by Snoop Dogg, that was supposed to perform it as well, but because of discrepancies between their labels, he couldn't be on the song and Warren G performed it instead. Because of the label's involvement, Snoop Dogg was ultimately not credited for the writing as well.^[4] The song was nominated for the Best Rap Solo Performance at the 37th Annual Grammy Awards.

Critical reception

Taylor Parkes from Melody Maker named "This D.J." Single of the Week, describing it as "smoother still, an ecstatic groove."^[5] Dele Fadele from NME came to the conclusion that the song is "a good thing, a way to sidestep reality and just luxuriate in sound. Whistling keyboard noises, boosted bass, subtle guitar licks, no obvious Michael McDonald sample, and the smooth, considered rapping all add up to pop thrills."^[6] Jordan Paramor from Smash Hits gave it four out of five, writing, "WHOA! Close your eyes and suddenly you're in downtown LA, cruising through the backstreets, bopping along to another funky laid-back masterpiece from Mr Warren G Esq. He's undoubtedly the king of cool (even if he does use rude words). Buy it, you'll love it."^[7]

Single track listing

A-Side

1. "This D.J." (LP Version)- 3:23
2. "This D.J." (Radio Edit)- 3:23

B-Side

1. "This D.J." (LP Instrumental)- 3:23
2. "This D.J." (Remix Instrumental)- 3:43
3. "Regulate" (Remix)- 4:18

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1994)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)[8]	95
UK Club Chart (Music Week)[9]	51

Year-end charts

Chart (1994)	Position
US Billboard Hot 100[10]	59
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[11]	81

Notes and References

1. Web site: Appleford. Steve. April 25, 2016. 20 Best Things We Saw at Coachella 2016's Weekend Two. June 11, 2021. Rolling Stone. en-US.
2. United States. Warren G. This D.J..
3. Best-Selling Records of 1994 . Billboard. BPI Communications. January 21, 1995 . May 5, 2015 . 57 . 0006-2510. 107. 3.
4. Web site: Warren G on Drink Champs. Revolt. 2023.
5. Taylor. Parkes. Singles. Melody Maker. November 5, 1994. 34. November 18, 2023. Taylor Parkes.
6. Dele. Fadele. Singles. NME. October 22, 1994. 50. November 6, 2023. Dele Fadele.
7. Jordan. Paramor. New Singles. Smash Hits. October 26, 1994. 53. October 7, 2024.
8. Web site: The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles Chart – Week Ending 27 Nov 1994. Imgur.com (original document published by ARIA). September 1, 2016.
9. The RM Club Chart. Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). November 5, 1994. 8. May 20, 2023.
10. The Year in Music: Hot 100 Singles . Billboard. December 24, 1994 . YE-26. May 1, 2022.
11. Web site: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1994. Billboard. July 7, 2021.