Meet Indianapolis DJ Iman Tucker
Bringing East and West Coast flavors to the Midwest
Name: Iman Tucker
Occupation: DJ/Producer
Current Release: Mashups, Spotify Releases, YouTube Channel
Based out of Indianapolis, Indiana, Iman Tucker (DJ IMN. TCKR) began his DJ journey back in 2016. Since then he has scaled his skills and business, Believe Brand Entertainment, into what he calls an “unforgettable experience focused on creating lasting memories.”
Since 2021 Iman has been the OFFICIAL DJ for the Indiana Pacers and Indiana University Athletics.
He relies heavily on the skills associated with turntable DJing and music production to create sounds you’ve never heard before. His passion for his career has landed him in NBA & NFL arenas, allowed him to share stages with some of his favorite artists, and provided experience spinning for thousands at a time all across the country.
He describes DJing as his “God space,” a place where is filled with purpose and able to do the work he was put on earth to do.
Website: If you enjoyed this interview with Iman Tucker, be sure to visit his Instagram Profile to stay up to date with current news and shows.
1. Describe your DJ style
I would describe my DJ style as a blend between you never know what you’re going to get and music that you can feel in your soul. I love sound, I always have. When I curate my sets, I am intentional to present vocals and melodies that stand out within a specific genre as a popular hit, while also incorporating sounds from around the world.
In my head I think: how can I present this record in a way it’s never been experienced before? I also keep in mind the sets that listeners enjoy most are those with songs they’re able to identify — even if the songs aren’t necessarily their favorites. Specifically here in the midwest where patrons aren’t as open to music they haven’t heard before, especially from a party perspective.
2. How did you get started?
I recall my days as a small framed, rather shy middle schooler. While most folks now see an outspoken, big personality — back then it was much the opposite. Sort of to myself, sort of involved. However, no matter where I was or how I carried myself, I constantly found myself tasked with the burden of picking out the playlist.
I took the burden very serious. Before I had ever heard the word “curating” that is exactly where my mind was. While in sports it was easy — keep it lit. However, the bus rides, school trips and random events became more of a challenge that required me to develop my intentionality in curating.
In college it was much of the same, somehow I still found myself curating playlists. I wasn’t into the party scene and don’t drink, so any time I stepped out I found myself as the designated driver. At the parties I stood on the wall pretty useless. So I figured I might as well make myself useful and play music.
My obsession curating vibes continue to grow. It started from an app until I bought my first tiny controller. Like anything you love, the more I wanted to learn and the more I wanted to invest into it. Then, before I knew it I had several turntables, was paying for lessons and really investing into the thing that started out as the task of picking out music.
3. What makes you different from other DJs?
As a DJ it’s easy to nerd-out on all the technical aspects of a performance and focus on building skills to separate yourself from other DJs. But from the consumer standpoint, what makes a DJ memorable? That’s how I like to frame this question.
The best DJ changes on any given night. It just depends based on how well they are rocking their crowd, their music selection and their personality or brand. What makes me different from perhaps from most DJs is the way I focus energy into each of these areas, not just focusing on one or the other.
To me, it feels different. I want to connect with those who come out to see our shows, or participate in the events. It’s not about me, it’s about how I make the crowd feel. That’s always my main focus. I’m sure there are other DJs that relate to me in this — that is the reason we love what we do.
At the end of the day though there is only one Iman Tucker. Same for whatever name you want to use, and that fact is really what makes one DJ different from another. I do my best to lean into and embrace this. Who I am, who God made me and how I can have an impact in the music industry with my specific giftings.
4. What is your long term goal with DJing?
I love what I do. The deeper I get into my career, the more clarity and long term vision I develop. Music brings people together. At first, it was just about picking the right songs, then it became about blending the right sounds and now it’s about producing, borrowing, blending, picking, the entire realm of DJing.
Long term I want to master the technical skills of DJing — the scratching, all of the cool stuff you see on TV. Add in the creativity side of production, attach a purposeful brand to it, then pass along the info to the next generation. “I won’t be able to do this forever” is always in the back of my mind. I’ve been greatly blessed through music and it would be selfish to keep it to myself.
5. Who do you look up to in the DJ Industry?
This is a tough one. I’ve intentionally focused on myself, my own skills, my own journey. I try to avoid the comparison game, but at a certain point the more you grow into your art you start sizing your skills ups to those you once looked up to. However, that isn’t to say I didn’t have DJs that paved the way that I took a lot from.
There are elements of many DJs that inspire or encourage me. This is my list. I am sure I missed someone but for the most part these are the DJs who have either taught me or I have watched their videos to pick up new tricks from:
Miles Medina, DJ Metrognome, Deejay Hamma, DJ Livia, DJ Puffy, DJ Promote
6. Why Indianapolis?
Indianapolis is a city rich with history in art, music and sports. I went to college here, started my first business here, I grew into a man here. Of course I I love seeing other places and performing for other crowds, but I am honored to call Indy my home.
The brands within the city, the radio, the organizations here have all received me well. I cannot thank them enough for that. They’ve boosted my platform and influence and welcomed me with open arms. I love returning the favor by repping my city, paying taxes here, connecting with the people that live here and staying active in my community. For everything that this city has done for me, it’s the least I could do.
Indy will always be home base and the ecosystem that I invest into first. I love Indianapolis. I am a hoosier.
SHOP APPAREL: https://believebrandco.com
DJ SITE: https://believebrandent.com
Follow me on IG: @Iman_Tucker
