Interview with DJ Big Wiz at Rick's Cabaret Minneapolis

Rick's Cabaret has been a staple of Minneapolis' nightlife scene since 1998, making it the original gentlemen’s club in the area. Known for its top-notch service, fantastic atmosphere, and beautiful entertainers, it continues to be a cornerstone of the city's culture. We sat down with DJ Big Wiz, the talented DJ who keeps the party going every night, to talk about his journey into the strip club scene, his experience at Rick's, and what makes the club stand out. 

Let’s start from the beginning. How did you get into DJing, and what led you to the strip club scene?

I worked in the hip-hop community for a long time, and a friend of mine suggested I try becoming a strip club DJ. He worked at the club and they needed help, so I applied—and here we are!

Where did the name “Big Wiz” come from? Is there a story behind it?

Big Wiz goes all the way back to high school. I had the nickname "Big Worm," but when I got older and started creating music, I was asked what my artist name was. I didn’t want to use Big Worm, so I just said "Big Wiz." Everyone looked at me and said, “Big Wiz? I like that!” So it stuck with me since then. Sometimes, I even think of myself as a wizard.

What’s the key to reading the room and keeping the energy right in a club like Rick’s?

My key to reading the room is understanding our clientele and staying in close contact with my management team—they keep me updated on the crowd. Depending on the crowd and the time of night, I feel like I’m really good at reading the room and catering to whatever vibe we have. It’s almost like I can feel the energy and reactions while I’m playing music, and I adjust accordingly.

What’s the wildest or funniest request you’ve ever gotten from a dancer or customer?

I’ve had a dancer ask me to play "Baby Shark" once, and a customer asked me to play "Silent Night, Holy Night" at one point!

Do you have a go-to song or genre that always gets the crowd (and dancers) hyped?

Lately, it’s been hip-hop or Top 40. From spring until now, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” still turns the club all the way up!

What do you think sets Rick’s Cabaret apart from other clubs when it comes to the nightlife experience?

We have a very professional and likable staff, from the management to the barbacks. Our regional manager hired a team that works really well together—we’ve got each other’s backs, and I think that shows. Our location downtown is fantastic, and the club itself is beautiful after the recent remodel. I also believe our DJs are the best in the business. Last but definitely not least, we have the most beautiful women in the world under one roof.

Be honest, are your friends jealous that you get to work around so many beautiful women every night?

I hear about it 20 times a week, lol! But I love my job and I have to stay focused. I have one of the greatest jobs in the world, and I’m very honored to work for such a good company.

DJ Big Wiz continues to rock the decks at Rick's Cabaret Minneapolis, keeping the energy high and the party going all night long. If you haven’t experienced it yet, be sure to check out the legendary club and see what makes it a staple of the Minneapolis nightlife scene!