DJ RTW (Rob Waite)
Chicago, IL | House, Electronic & Dance Music
Hailing from the birthplace of house music, Chicago-based DJ RTW (Rob Waite) is a seasoned disc jockey known for his dynamic curation of house, electronic, and dance music. Raised in a musically diverse household exposed to everything from rock and roll and blues to classical and cultural music, his sonic foundation was vast. However, it was the underground explosion of the late-1980s Chicago house music movement that truly ignited his calling.
Inspired by legends like WBMX and the Hot Mix 5, he began experimenting with mixing in 1989. Adopting the moniker DJ Hyper, he spent his early years bringing energy to house parties and local events, driven by a simple, powerful mission: helping people lose themselves in the joy of music.
In 2004, he took his talents to the airwaves, launching the Ground Zero radio show on Chicago’s 88.9FM. During this era, he re-birthed the group Chicago Groove Masters alongside John “Smokin’” Acosta (RIP) and Dazzlin’ Dave, while collaborating with local icons such as Mickey “Mixin’” Oliver, DJ Psycho B., and Gabriel Rodriguez. After a temporary hiatus in 2008 to prioritize his education and family, his undeniable passion pulled him back to 88.9FM in 2013 to revive Ground Zero Radio. Upon his return, he hit the ground running, collaborating with prominent artists like Curtis McClain and Derek “Smokin’” Jones.
Seeking a global evolution, he rebranded in 2014 as DJ RTW—an acronym for Reach The World. The name encapsulates his ultimate vision: allowing listeners to “Feel the Vibe” and find elevated moments of happiness through his broadcasts and his entertainment organization, Reaching The World Entertainment, Ltd.
The momentum continued through 2016 when he launched a fresh radio concept, Da’ Booth. The show’s success naturally birthed a new house music collective, Da’ Booth Mix 6, which ultimately evolved into the powerhouse group DaBooth 312 (Chicago).
With a career spanning over three decades, DJ RTW’s impact has been recognized on CBS Channel 2 Chicago. He remains a staple of the city’s vibrant culture, commanding stages at major events including the African Festival, Taco & Tamale Festival, Soul of Chicago, DaBooth Bash, the We Are House Music Community Festival, and the Music Alliance Festival. Whether on the airwaves or behind the festival decks, DJ RTW continues to move dance floors and unite audiences worldwide.
