Saturday, April 26, 2025
DJ Johnny “Juice” Rosado is a Bronx native and Uniondale resident who has made his mark in the music industry from being part of the seminal Hip Hop group Public Enemy to working with musical artists as diverse as rhythm and blues and gospel singer Mavis Staples to the Beastie Boys.
Inducted into the Long Island Music Entertainment Hall of Fame with Public Enemy in 2008, Rosado, a proud military veteran and a martial arts champion, was named to the Hall of Fame’s board of directors last month. The Herald spoke with Rosado about his life’s work. The interview was edited for length and clarity.
Herald: What does it mean to you to not only be inducted but also now on the LIMEHOF board?
Herald: From your point of view how are all the roles in your music career interrelated?
Rosado: One time someone asked me what your skill is, what are I’m what good? I don’t know if I’m good at music, I’m really good at picking things up. Everything is related, music is the soundtrack to your life. In martial arts when I practice, the cadence, the rhythm, how you move, emulate and perceive — all these things are related.
Herald: From being part of Public Enemy to working with different artists, how does the music project differ and/or have a familiarity?
Rosado: Well when I’m introduced to an artist they have a vision and I try to achieve that vision. I start with learning who the artist is, who they are as people what they are trying to say, trying to understand them, speak their language, and translate that to get the end result. I asked [producer] Jack Douglas what the secret is and he said there is no secret just let them play. You don’t want to get in the artists’ way.
Herald: What does being part of The Oddysy add to your life?
Rosado: I left NYC/LI went up state to get away from a lot. KJ is a friend and we are foodies and I said let’s eat some really good food and hang out. KJ is a 6-3 white South African, I’m a 5-foot something Puerto Rican. He was the lead vocalist (also bass player). Recording artists understand it is all extremely personal. He recently transitioned to Kiley Reilly. That’s why we called the album Was/Them. I learned who I was as a person.
Herald: What’s your best advice for young people?
Rosado: Somebody asked me and they ask me all the time. I taught a little time at Uniondale High School. I say be who you are, you’re only person who has to be happy. Follow the seven Ps: Prior, proper preparation prevents piss-poor performance. Put the time into the learning the craft. In the music business not always doing it for a lot of money. Find something to sustain yourself when not making money. You have to love it. You don’t find music, music finds you.
