please visit http://www.mixcloud.com/tonybadea/ for DJ Tony Badea aka "Boom Boom" dj sets

Tony first touched a turntable in 1981, a Technics SL1600. His cousin Louie Rivera introduced him to dance music when my family moved to Chicago from Puerto Rico in 1979. He listened to the top disco/dance radio station at the time WDAI and was hooked instantly. Tony would record he’s DJ idols on WBMX, djs like Ralphi "The Razz" Rosario and Mickey "Mixin" Oliver. Before long, that's how he developed a unique style of mixing described as "Speed Mixing". Mickey Oliver was instrumental in Tony’s DJ career by providing him with his first radio break as a guest on WBMX's "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE AIN'T NO JIVE" mix show in 1984 and later on WGCI.

In 1981 Tony met Harv Roman a fellow dj who was happy to borrow his speakers but, didn't want Tony to accompany them. He later became Tony’s biggest fan and most importantly his best friend. Charlie Martinez promoted Tony and helped develop and guide him throughout the 80s and early 90s. In the 90s Julian "Jumpin" Perez gave Tony the opportunity to showcase his skills during a Sunday mix show on B96 called "Street Flavor." Throughout the 80s and 90s Tony had the honor of DJing along side legends like Kool Rock Steady, Bad Boy Bill, The Hot Mix 5, Tyree Cooper, Fast Eddie, Bear WHO?, Dj Sneak, just to name a few.

“The reason I became a popular dj besides my passion and hard work was because there was always someone willing to give me a chance. So, I want to thank those who gave me that opportunity: My family, Harv Roman, Mickey Oliver, Charlie Martinez, Julian Perez, ZeZe, Sunset Records, Matt Warren, Tony Bitoy, Georgie Porge, My Cousin Luis Rivera, Terry Hunter, Roberto C for driving me everywhere and many more, but most importantly everyone who enjoyed my mixes.” — Tony Badea


Maria Gonzalez is following