Battle of the DJs

On Saturday, September 24, Student Council Vice President of Social Life Akeil Smith ’23 hosted the “Battle of the DJs” competition. Usually accustomed to the dances hosted in the Kirby Arts Center and outside the Bunn Library, especially with the Homecoming and other House-hosted dances, students were in for a twist with this dance: students could sign up, play their music, and move through rounds. After starting with nine DJs, the pool was initially narrowed down to three finalists. During school meeting last Thursday, Pittman Alley ’24, Abby Hehl ’23, and Riley McKibben ’25 were revealed to be the DJs who would play their music at the Saturday dance. 

Hosted on the walkway just outside Pop, the dance included a smoke machine, changing neon lights, and Dunkin’ Donuts on the side. The chilly weather provided the perfect environment for some casual daning and music. The DJs were at the front, taking turns to play their music for the students  to “vibe” and simply have a good time.

McKibben, also known as “DJ Kibbs,” knew exactly what “vibe” she was going for as she tried to “hit the late ’00s and ’10s songs.” The songs she played included “Empire State of Mind” by Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus, and “Good Feeling” by Flo Rida. All three DJs had different musical tastes, but McKibben tried to go for some throwback songs which called for a good time. She was “most excited to play Macklemore’s “Can’t Hold Us,” because that song always “gets [her] going, and it reminds [her] of past experiences. Other people usually rock with it too.” McKibben played songs that she really liked but was also open to the suggestions and favorites of others. When asked about some of her music tastes and inspiration, she explained how “some of [her] favorite artists include Kanye and Drake, but [she] really listens to a variety of different artists.” 

Joe Barnes ’25, an attendee of the event, expressed how “[he] had a good time: the donuts were good, it was extremely cool, the lighting was sick, and the DJs were turning up.” When asked which DJ should win, Luke Cascaden ’25 suggested DJ Pitt, because he “played the song ‘Freak,’ which is a song [he] really likes.” Both attendees had a fun time, saying that the dance “made [their] weekend even better.”

The Battle of the DJs posed not just a good opportunity to have some weekend fun with friends after a busy week, but it also brought out students’ music taste and added a competitive element to it. Students are eager to see what future social events are in store and how weekend events like dances and mini competitions can get even better at Lawrenceville.