Good Vybz Magazine_Issue 4 - July 2026

July 2026

Issue 4

Bunny Debarge Reclaiming Her

Voice Beyond Style: Marcial’s Summer Playbook for Real Hair Health

Paying It Forward: Jamaican Olympian and World Championship Pioneer, Jacqueline "Jackie" Pusey

Summer

Travel Tips!

When Home Turns Dangerous

Editor’s Note

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Good Vybz Magazine

Good Vybz Magazine

Reecy Darlington Editor-in-Chief Good Vybz Magazine

Table of Contents 05 11 14 19 23 25 30

Breaking Barriers: A Real‑Vybz Reasoning with Jessy Hypeness AKA “DJ Hypeness” Paying It Forward: Jamaican Olympian and World Championship Pioneer Jackie Pusey 3 Destinations Where Black Women Are Redefining Luxury Travel Summer Travel Tips!

Black Working professionals Thriving in the Age of AI: A Personal Note Beyond Style: Marcial’s Summer Playbook for Real Hair Health Reclaiming Her Voice: How Bunny DeBarge's Journey Inspires Women to Embrace Their Power

36 Recipe: Chocolate Lava Delight 38 The Melanin Book Shelf 44 A Legacy of Education, Service, and Community Impact - Sherryl DeLisser 48 When Home Turns Dangerous: A Look at Intimate Partner Violence 52 The Beauty of The Pause - How Caring For Your Scalp Leads To A Wellness Reset

BREAKING BARRIERS: A Real-Vybz Reasoning with

Jessy Hypeness

AKA “DJ HYPENESS”

By Reecy D For feature article, advertising and general information, reach Good Vybz Magazine at info@GoodVybzmedia.com | 954-218-7794

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Some conversations feel like interviews. Some feel like work. hen there are the ones that feel like you’re just sitting with a friend, kicking back, talking about life, music and the journey.

That’s exactly what this “reasoning” with DJ Hypeness felt like - easy, honest and full of pure vybz.

For over two (2) decades, DJ Hypeness has been a force in reggae and dancehall music, earning respect through hard work, resilience and undeniable talent. From Dominica to international stages, she has built a career by staying true to herself while opening doors for other women in the industry. Today, instead of the big lights and loud crowds, it’s just two friends talking.

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THE BEGINNING Reecy: Tell us a little about yourself and how your journey into DJing began.

DJ Hypeness: I was born and raised in Dominica until I was 18 years old, when I migrated to the United States. I’ve always loved reggae music, dancehall, and music as a whole. When I came to America, I developed a passion for wanting to play music. In 2005, one of my friends asked me to co-host a radio show with her. That opportunity opened the door for me to learn how to DJ. I took advantage of every opportunity that came my way, including doing plenty of free gigs to learn and gain experience. I watched and learned from DJs I admired, stayed disciplined, and kept the momentum going. That’s how my journey started.

WHAT’S BEHIND THE NAME? Reecy: I always love asking this question. How did you come up with the name DJ Hypeness? Were you just naturally hype?

DJ Hypeness: (Laughs.) That’s the million-dollar question. A lot of people think my name comes from my personality or my energy on stage, but that’s actually not the case.

The name came from someone I was dating at the time who had “Hype” attached to his name. I won’t

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mention who he is, but that’s where part of it came from. The other part came from me. When I was younger, I had quite a temper. So the name became a combination of who I was dating and my own personality back then.

Reecy: I never knew that!

DJ Hypeness: Most people don’t.

BEING A WOMAN IN A MALEDOMINATED INDUSTRY Reecy: As a female DJ, what challenges have you faced working in such a male‑dominated industry?

DJ Hypeness: My biggest challenge has been not receiving the same opportunities as the men. I know I can perform on the big stages, and I’m sure many promoters know it too, but women simply don’t receive the same opportunities.

When I talk about respect, I’m not talking about anyone being verbally or sexually disrespectful. I’m talking about respect in terms of opportunities. When women consistently aren’t given the same chances as men, that, to me, is a form of disrespect.

PREPARING FOR A PERFORMANCE Reecy: When you’re getting ready for an event, what’s your process?

DJ Hypeness: Years ago, I used to make playlists before every event because I thought it would calm my nerves. Eventually I realized that doesn’t work because another DJ might play half of your playlist before you even touch the decks.

Now I don’t even open my laptop until I arrive at the venue. I quickly go through my folders, make sure everything is organized, and that’s it. The most important preparation for me is getting enough rest.

I always try to travel early so I’m not rushing.

And then…

I have to use the bathroom.

Reecy: (Laughing.) Wait… what kind of bathroom?

DJ Hypeness: Number two!

Reecy: Oh my goodness!

DJ Hypeness: I know it sounds funny, but it’s true.

No matter how experienced I am, I still get nervous before a big event. Once I get that out of the way, my

For feature article, advertising and general information, reach Good Vybz Magazine at info@GoodVybzmedia.com | 954-218-7794

nerves settle down and I can focus. It’s embarrassing to admit, but it’s the truth.

Reecy: That’s definitely a fun fact about DJ Hypeness!

DJ Hypeness: It really is!

READING THE CROWD Reecy: You’ve played many events for me over the years. How do you connect with your audience?

DJ Hypeness: Reading the crowd is everything.

Before I even start playing, I study the audience. I watch how they respond to the DJ before me. If I’m the first DJ, I observe while setting up.

I pay attention to the age group, the energy, and the type of music they’re responding to. Then I’ll test them with different songs to see what gets the biggest reaction. Over the years I’ve become fast enough to change directions immediately if something isn’t working. Reading the crowd is one of the most important skills any DJ can develop.

TWENTY-ONE YEARS BEHIND THE TURNTABLES Reecy: Approximately how long have you been DJing?

DJ Hypeness: This year makes 21 years.

Reecy: Wow! In all those years, have you ever had an event where the crowd just wasn’t feeling you?

DJ Hypeness: Absolutely. I’ve failed before. I don’t like failing because it stays with me for months. It bothers me. I replay it over and over in my head.

One experience really stands out. Early in my career, I was given an opportunity to DJ at a Thursday night event. There was an incredible emcee there who was very respected. Since I was still learning to work the microphone, I asked him to emcee for me while I focused on mixing.

The problem was I was playing every song on each rhythm instead of only playing the hottest songs. The crowd wasn’t moving. Eventually, the emcee stopped talking altogether and simply stood beside me, shaking his head.

Afterward, the promoter pulled me aside and told me something I’ll never forget. He said: “Never ask a man to speak for you again. You’re a

woman. Speak to the women yourself. Win, lose, or fail - but use your own voice.”

From that day forward, I never allowed anyone else to be my voice on the microphone. That failure helped make me the emcee I am today.

A MEMORABLE MOMENT IN JAMAICA Reecy: What has been one of your most memorable moments as a DJ? DJ Hypeness: I’ve had quite a few, but one that always makes me laugh happened during my first booking in Jamaica. I was booked to perform in Mandeville alongside Mighty Crown and Tony Matterhorn. It was a huge opportunity for me.

When it was my turn to play, I started juggling some Mavado, Vybz Kartel, and “Bruk Bottle.” The crowd was responding well, and suddenly I heard gunshots.

I immediately ducked behind the sound system! I honestly thought someone was shooting up the dance.

One of the promoters came over laughing and said, “No, Mama! They’re giving you a forward!”

I had no idea that the gunshots were actually a sign that the crowd loved my performance.

Reecy: (Laughing.) That’s so Jamaican!

DJ Hypeness: I know! Looking back now it’s hilarious, but at that moment I was terrified.

FEMALE DJ CLASHES Reecy: Since this issue is celebrating women, I wanted to ask your opinion about female DJ clashes.

Would you like to see more all‑female clashes?

DJ Hypeness: I don’t see anything wrong with them.

I’ve never participated in an all-female clash, although I have clashed against another female DJ before. I’ve been approached to be part of female clash events, but sometimes the promoters and I couldn’t agree on the financial side.

The bigger question is whether clashes truly showcase a DJ’s talent.

CLASH VS. JUGGLING Reecy: Do you think female clashes help elevate women DJs? DJ Hypeness: Honestly, clashing and juggling are two

For feature article, advertising and general information, reach Good Vybz Magazine at info@GoodVybzmedia.com | 954-218-7794

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