Philadelphia’s DJ Damage pays it forward to his community

Abdul “DJ Damage” Muhammad grew up in North Philadelphia and is no stranger to the issues that many inner city youth face today. Damage credits his mother, Adrienne Stokes, for keeping him out of trouble and encouraging him to work hard and give back to his community. After graduating from Temple University, the youngest on air mixer, decided he wanted to devote some time to encouraging young people to pursue higher education, work hard and achieve their dreams. So he launched the All Hamm Back to School Tour.

Damage, 22, says, “Talking to these kids is really just about reaffirming and encouraging them to do the positive things they’ve been destined to do.”

Damage’s presence on Philadelphia’s HOT 107.9 radio station is another way he connects with the city’s youth.

“Music is a universal language, and I’m blessed to be able to use my position as a DJ to really listen to what the youth have to say, and show them that people do care about them. I care about them; I care about seeing them succeed and do positive things in the community.” 

In addition to being the keynotespeaker on the All Hamm Back to School Tour at various schools throughout Philadelphia, Damage served as a panelist for the ‘Villa Dream Project’, an educational initiative encouraging students to dream big and pursue higher education. He also spoke at the Philadelphia School of the Future, for Senator Vincent Hughes’ back to school event.

“I want youth to know that they’re capable of being the next astronaut, doctor, lawyer or singer, whatever their heart desires as long as they work hard and get an education,” Damage said.

DJ Damage isn’t just talking the talk, he’s living it. He graduated from Temple University in May with a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcasting, Telecommunications and Mass Media. During his time at Temple he maintained a 3.0 GPA all while balancing his on-air responsibilities at Radio One and DJ-ing some of the hottest parties in the tri-state area.  He’s proof that hard work does pays off. In addition to his many other accomplishments, Damage recently was a guest co-host on BET’s 106 & Park.

“With (people from) Philly, you’ve got to keep it real, whether it’s a teen or adult you’re talking to,” Damage said. “I never dish out advice unless I actually live the values I’m talking about. People can see through that.”

Despite the impact he’s clearly having on the youth, Damage stays humble. But if you watch him interact with those who look up to him, like in the recent CNN feature, it’s clear DJ Damage is making a difference.

“I never knew that a stranger could come into my life and be the one that shows me how to be a man…” says 17 year old Emire Lloyd of DJ Damage.

When asked about the impact her favorite DJ has had on her life Danaya Williams said “Damage always says he’s on ‘Level 10’ when he’s DJ-ing, but he inspires the younger generation to go for ‘Level 10’, to give our absolute best, in whatever we do.”

“I don’t do any of this for the cameras or the papers,” Damage said.  “I’m a part of the community, and it’s only right that I do my part.”