--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Even when I was a hip-hop DJ I always…" description: "\"Even when I was a hip-hop DJ I always kept it classy. The motto is always 'flashy but classy.' You've got to be original and stand out from the crowd a..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6db/mayer-hawthorne-11847_chance_even-when-i-was-a-hip-hop-dj-i-always-ke_874422.jpg" --- # Even when I was a hip-hop DJ I always kept it classy. The… ![“Even when I was a hip-hop DJ I always kept it classy. The motto is always 'flashy but classy.' You've got to be original and stand out from the crowd and take some chances. But you've always got to keep it classy.” quote by Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6db/mayer-hawthorne-11847_chance_even-when-i-was-a-hip-hop-dj-i-always-ke_874422.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6db/mayer-hawthorne-11847_chance_even-when-i-was-a-hip-hop-dj-i-always-ke_874422.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6db/mayer-hawthorne-11847_chance_even-when-i-was-a-hip-hop-dj-i-always-ke_874422.jpg) > “Even when I was a hip-hop DJ I always kept it classy. The motto is always 'flashy but classy.' You've got to be original and stand out from the crowd and take some chances. But you've always got to keep it classy.” [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Being flashy yet classy means standing out while maintaining dignity; originality and elegance coexist **In simple terms:** Balance boldness with elegance Key Takeaway Stay original, stay classy Themes creativity authenticity confidence Mood confident inspired Type practical motivational When to use this quote - fashion shows - public speaking - artistic performances Key Concepts personal branding cultural aesthetics Questions to Reflect On - How do you ensure originality without excess? - What defines “classy” in your field? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on flash can appear superficial ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Chance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/chance/) [Djs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/djs/) [Hip hop](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hip-hop/) [Motto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/motto/) [Stand out from the crowd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stand-out-from-the-crowd/) [Standing out](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/standing-out/) ## Related quotes > [James Brown is the perfect example of flashy but classy. Classy doesn't have to mean boring. His gear was flamboyant but without being so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/james-brown-is-the-perfect-example-of-flashy-but-classy-classy-doesn/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) > [It's ok to be sassy, but I'll never be trashy, it's ok to be nasty, but you got to keep it classy now](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joss-stone/it-s-ok-to-be-sassy-but-i-ll-never-be-trashy-it-s-ok-to-be-nasty-but/) [Joss Stone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joss-stone/) > [“A daisy in a garden fits in; a rose in a desert stands out.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matshona-dhliwayo/a-daisy-in-a-garden-fits-in-a-rose-in-a-desert-stands-out/) [Matshona Dhliwayo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matshona-dhliwayo/) > [Stand out from the crowd, keep the grass cut low to see the snakes and remember to kill them with a smile.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gee-linder/stand-out-from-the-crowd-keep-the-grass-cut-low-to-see-the-snakes-and/) [Gee Linder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gee-linder/) > [“In a world full of game players, the only way to set yourself apart is to be a game changer.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matshona-dhliwayo/in-a-world-full-of-game-players-the-only-way-to-set-yourself-apart-is/) [Matshona Dhliwayo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matshona-dhliwayo/) > [“A "Can-do" approach, passion, and the ability to quickly integrate into a highly collaborative environment will elevate your game.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/a-can-do-approach-passion-and-the-ability-to-quickly-integrate-into-a/) [Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/) > [I like that I can stand out from the crowd.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sheamus/i-like-that-i-can-stand-out-from-the-crowd/) [Sheamus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sheamus/) > [“The world accommodates you for fitting in, but only rewards you for standing out.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matshona-dhliwayo/the-world-accommodates-you-for-fitting-in-but-only-rewards-you-for/) [Matshona Dhliwayo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matshona-dhliwayo/) > [Stand out from the crowd to see the hater's. Keep the grass cut low to see the snakes. Hold your head up high kill…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gee-linder/stand-out-from-the-crowd-to-see-the-hater-s-keep-the-grass-cut-low-to/) [Gee Linder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gee-linder/) > [“You are the author of your own destiny; write yourself into history books.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matshona-dhliwayo/you-are-the-author-of-your-own-destiny-write-yourself-into-history/) [Matshona Dhliwayo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matshona-dhliwayo/) > [I've never wanted to be your average Joe. I've always wanted to stand out from the crowd - to be someone looked at and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-eubank-jr/i-ve-never-wanted-to-be-your-average-joe-i-ve-always-wanted-to-stand/) [Chris Eubank Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-eubank-jr/) > [“7 Outstanding Tips for Banner Printing Choosing to produce a printed banner is a fantastic way to maximize your promotional requirements, it helps you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/printfast/7-outstanding-tips-for-banner-printing-choosing-to-produce-a-printed/) Printfast > [“The opinion of success matters more than the opinions of your critics.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matshona-dhliwayo/the-opinion-of-success-matters-more-than-the-opinions-of-your-critics/) [Matshona Dhliwayo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matshona-dhliwayo/) > [“Never underestimate your value and your influence. You have something to offer the world that no one else can.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/never-underestimate-your-value-and-your-influence-you-have-something/) [Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/) > [“The lion commands respect.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/the-lion-commands-respect/) [Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/) ## More by Mayer Hawthorne > [I've always made sure that I tour with bands that people aren't expecting me to tour with.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/i-ve-always-made-sure-that-i-tour-with-bands-that-people-aren-t/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) > [I shopped at J. Crew in high school, I studied computer science. I was a nerd-nerd, now I'm a music-nerd.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/i-shopped-at-j-crew-in-high-school-i-studied-computer-science-i-was-a/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) > [My dad calls me 'Mac' a lot, from 'Mike Tyson's Punch Out' - Little Mac is the main character. I was obsessed. I can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/my-dad-calls-me-mac-a-lot-from-mike-tyson-s-punch-out-little-mac-is/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) > [I never have, but I would love to pick R. Kelly's brain.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/i-never-have-but-i-would-love-to-pick-r-kelly-s-brain/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) > [I think that what happens is that all of my modern influences blend together with the older soul influences and you get Mayer Hawthorne.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/i-think-that-what-happens-is-that-all-of-my-modern-influences-blend/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) > [My dad taught me to play bass. He's a bass player; he still plays in a band in Michigan to this day. He taught…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/my-dad-taught-me-to-play-bass-he-s-a-bass-player-he-still-plays-in-a/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) > [I really love rap music. I grew up in the '80s and '90s with Public Enemy, N.W.A., LL Cool J - I'm a hip-hop…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/i-really-love-rap-music-i-grew-up-in-the-80s-and-90s-with-public/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) > [Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and I definitely have a hearty breakfast before I do anything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/breakfast-is-the-most-important-meal-of-the-day-and-i-definitely-have/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) > [When you're a soul singer, I'm singing a lot of songs about love and relationships that I think a lot of girls really relate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/when-you-re-a-soul-singer-i-m-singing-a-lot-of-songs-about-love-and/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) > [Barry White is my musical hero. He was the guy who you danced to in the club and then when you took your lady…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/barry-white-is-my-musical-hero-he-was-the-guy-who-you-danced-to-in/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) > [I try to make sure that I make music that can stand the test of time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/i-try-to-make-sure-that-i-make-music-that-can-stand-the-test-of-time/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) > [A lot of people think I live in a soul bubble.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/a-lot-of-people-think-i-live-in-a-soul-bubble/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) > [People will send me tweets or texts, 'Yo, I'm at Red Lobster now and they're playing Mayer Hawthorne,' more of that kind of stuff,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/people-will-send-me-tweets-or-texts-yo-i-m-at-red-lobster-now-and/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) > [I make soul music for hip-hop heads. It's music I'd want to sample if I were a rapper.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/i-make-soul-music-for-hip-hop-heads-it-s-music-i-d-want-to-sample-if/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) > [My intentions with any of my music is to keep it futuristic and updated and be experimental and try new things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayer-hawthorne/my-intentions-with-any-of-my-music-is-to-keep-it-futuristic-and/) [Mayer Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) [Explore all 57 Mayer Hawthorne quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayer-hawthorne/) ## More Chance quotes > [Before I debuted, it was my goal to make my debut, and afterwards, I aimed at winning champion titles on television music shows, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hyuna/before-i-debuted-it-was-my-goal-to-make-my-debut-and-afterwards-i/) [Hyuna](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hyuna/) > [I understand it's promotion, but no one ever gave me a chance. No one ever thought I'd be the champ, and look where I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stipe-miocic/i-understand-it-s-promotion-but-no-one-ever-gave-me-a-chance-no-one/) [Stipe Miocic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stipe-miocic/) > [I might, by chance, write something just as shoddy; But then I wouldn't show it to everybody.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/moliere/i-might-by-chance-write-something-just-as-shoddy-but-then-i-wouldn-t/) [Moliere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moliere/) > [When I get a chance to play golf or go on a boat with good people, take the boat out and put some lobsters…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernie-mac/when-i-get-a-chance-to-play-golf-or-go-on-a-boat-with-good-people/) [Bernie Mac](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernie-mac/) > [The happy medium is television. And if you find a good suitor, you can do it for years. With movies, you roll the dice.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-campbell/the-happy-medium-is-television-and-if-you-find-a-good-suitor-you-can/) [Bruce Campbell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-campbell/) > [I get afraid of the dark if I'm in a great deal of dark, and I have to move around inside of that fear...…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emil-ferris/i-get-afraid-of-the-dark-if-i-m-in-a-great-deal-of-dark-and-i-have-to/) [Emil Ferris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emil-ferris/) > [I have heard that if you pull a bent breath through the second hole of a harmonica tuned to the key of Georgia while…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/buddy-wakefield/i-have-heard-that-if-you-pull-a-bent-breath-through-the-second-hole/) [Buddy Wakefield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/buddy-wakefield/) > [There are times when we can feel destiny close around us like a fist around a doorknob. Sure, we can resist. But a knob…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-robbins/there-are-times-when-we-can-feel-destiny-close-around-us-like-a-fist/) [Tom Robbins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-robbins/) > [Pain held no terror for him. Pain was, if not friend, then family, something he had grown up with in his crèche, learning to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paolo-bacigalupi/pain-held-no-terror-for-him-pain-was-if-not-friend-then-family/) [Paolo Bacigalupi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paolo-bacigalupi/) > [Love changes people, for better or for worse. You could look at it as a chance for you to change. The best kind of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/love-changes-people-for-better-or-for-worse-you-could-look-at-it-as-a/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“It's not who, it's when”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alejandro-taubas/it-s-not-who-it-s-when/) Alejandro Taubas > [Childhood is Last Chance Gulch for happiness. After that, you know too much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-stoppard/childhood-is-last-chance-gulch-for-happiness-after-that-you-know-too/) [Tom Stoppard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-stoppard/) > [I thought my first few jobs would just be off, off, off, off, off broadway. And by chance and how the world works, I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tommy-dorfman/i-thought-my-first-few-jobs-would-just-be-off-off-off-off-off/) [Tommy Dorfman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tommy-dorfman/) > [If you’re worrying about the past, you’ve got a good chance of screwing up the future.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-a-tullman/if-you-re-worrying-about-the-past-you-ve-got-a-good-chance-of/) [Howard A. Tullman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-a-tullman/) > [To be successful, one must take chances.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/willie-stargell/to-be-successful-one-must-take-chances/) [Willie Stargell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/willie-stargell/) [Browse all 12,460 Chance quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/chance/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Even when I was a hip-hop DJ I always kept it classy. The motto is always 'flashy but classy.' You've got to be original and stand out from the crowd and take some chances. 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