By: Ciara Suesberry
In a world that rarely slows down, where burnout has quietly become the norm, Darryl “FollowtheDj” Dungee is challenging us all to do something radical: Play Hooky—for our minds, our communities, and our collective joy.
Born and raised in the tough neighborhoods of Baltimore, Maryland, Darryl knows firsthand the weight of adversity. Music wasn’t just a hobby for him growing up—it was a lifeline. From an early age, surrounded by the creative forces of industry legends like Toni Braxton and Prophet Jones through his godfather’s musical career, he learned the anatomy of sound. Melodies, bass lines, and drum patterns weren’t just entertainment; they were survival. By the time he was 15, “FollowtheDj” wasn’t just a nickname—it was a movement.
Today, that movement has grown into The Play Hooky Experience, a national tour rooted in a simple but transformative idea: everyone deserves a break. More than just games, music, and a good time, Play Hooky is a wellness activation disguised as fun—a deliberate space where mental health, community connection, and pure, unapologetic joy are the main priorities.
“Our culture rewards overworking. We forget that rest is a right, not a reward,” Darryl says. “Play Hooky gives people permission to breathe again—to reconnect with life beyond the deadlines.”
And it’s not just the attendees who feel it. Each stop on the Play Hooky tour highlights local vendors, artists, and small businesses, creating economic opportunities while fostering authentic community pride. Whether it’s a field day, a game tournament, or a music-fueled gathering, the goal remains the same: healing through human connection.
But Darryl’s vision didn’t happen overnight. Before Play Hooky, there were countless late nights, DJ battles, club gigs, open mics, weddings, and fundraisers. He built his brand one event at a time, always leading with a belief that music could be a bridge to joy, to hope, to something better. Along the way, he performed at major events like the Baltimore Believe Tour, graced college stages with artists like T.I. and Keyshia Cole, and even brought his sound to the high seas aboard Carnival Cruise Line.
Through it all, Darryl never lost sight of the communities that raised him. Whether performing for honor roll students in Baltimore public schools or lending his promotional truck to local events, service remains at the core of his work. “Music saved me,” he often reflects. “Giving back is how I stay connected to where I come from.”
Photo Courtesy: Darryl “FollowtheDj” Dungee
A true serial entrepreneur, Darryl has expanded his talents beyond DJing. Today, he’s also the founder of FollowtheDj’s Urban Clothing Line and CEO of a custom apparel company specializing in gear for small businesses, schools, and sports teams. But no matter how many ventures he launches, his heart stays rooted in creating experiences that matter.
With Play Hooky, he’s found a way to merge all the pieces of his journey—resilience, creativity, entrepreneurship, and a deep understanding of what it means to need a safe space. His brand positioning isn’t built on hype; it’s built on lived experience.
And as the Play Hooky tour rolls into cities like Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Chicago, Dallas, Charlotte, Baton Rouge, and Houston throughout 2025, Darryl’s message is crystal clear: Protect your peace. Ditch the grind. Find your joy.
Because sometimes, playing hooky isn’t about skipping out—it’s about finally showing up for yourself.
For more information or to attend the event in a city near you, follow @FollowTheDJ and @thePlayHookyExperience.
For interviews or media inquiries:
Berry Dynamic Agency
Launch@berrydynamicagency.com
Published by Joseph T.
