DJ Spen: From Baltimore Radio to Quantize Recordings
The career of DJ Spen, the Baltimore DJ, producer and label owner behind Quantize Recordings: from radio mix shows and the Basement Boys to Defected, a Billboard number one and a Grammy-nominated remix, plus how to book him.
In this guide
The short version
- DJ Spen (real name Sean Spencer) is a Baltimore-based DJ, producer and label owner with a 30+ year career in dance music.
- He came up through Baltimore radio, the Basement Boys production team and the MuthaFunkaz releases on Defected.
- He founded Quantize Recordings in 2012 and has a Grammy nomination on his catalogue.
- He’s on the Onit Bookings roster and suits a peak-time main slot at soulful, gospel or vocal house nights.
Early years: Baltimore radio and Numarx
Spen started DJing at 13, producing mix shows for Baltimore radio. He went on to work at several stations: V-103, 92Q (WERQ-FM), WKYS-FM and Majic 95.9 (WWIN-FM), where he ran Flashback Saturday Night Dance Party. He eventually became Mix Show Director at V-103.
In 1986 his hip hop group Numarx wrote and recorded “Girl You Know It’s True”, the track later covered and made famous by Milli Vanilli.
Basement Boys and Jasper Street Company
In 1989 Spen joined the Basement Boys production team. Their studio was on Jasper Street in Baltimore, which gave Spen the name for his next group, Jasper Street Company. His first full production, A Feelin’, came out under that name.
Productions and remixes
During his Basement Boys years, the team’s productions included Crystal Waters’ Gypsy Woman and Mass Order’s Lift Every Voice. Spen also remixed:
- Diana Ross
- Michael Jackson
- Toni Braxton
- Everything but the Girl
- Kirk Franklin
- Ann Nesby
- Shaun Escoffery
Defected and the MuthaFunkaz years
In 2004 Spen co-founded Code Red Records and formed MuthaFunkaz with Gary Hudgins and Irvin Madden. The group joined Defected Records and released a run of soulful house staples, including:
- The Way You Love Me (featuring Marc Evans)
- Gabryelle
- It’s So Easy (featuring Ann Nesby)
Quantize Recordings
In 2012 Spen founded Quantize Recordings with longtime partner Thommy Davis. The label has been an outlet for his own productions and for vocalists including Jocelyn Brown, Barbara Tucker, Joi Cardwell, Melonie Daniels, Dawn Tallman and Tracy Hamlin.
Career highlights
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 1986 | Numarx record “Girl You Know It’s True”, later made famous by Milli Vanilli. |
| 1989 | Joins the Basement Boys production team in Baltimore. |
| 2004 | Co-founds Code Red Records and forms MuthaFunkaz, releasing on Defected. |
| 2012 | Founds Quantize Recordings with Thommy Davis. |
| 2018 | With Italian producer Michele Chiavarini, hits #1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart with a remix of Donna Summer’s Hot Stuff. |
| 2021 | Louie Vega’s remix of Spen’s Praying For You is nominated for a Grammy. |
Booking DJ Spen
Bookings: email tim@onitbookings.com or use the DJ Spen page on Onit Bookings.
Why book DJ Spen
- The right slot: a peak-time main slot for a soulful house, gospel house or vocal house lineup.
- His own catalogue: he plays his own productions and remixes in his sets, including Quantize releases and Basement Boys-era material.
- Pedigree: more than 30 years across radio, production, remixing and running a label.
Building a soulful house lineup? Promoters booking Spen also look at Sophie Lloyd and Seamus Haji.
DJ Spen FAQ
What is DJ Spen’s real name?
Sean Spencer. He’s based in Baltimore.
What label does DJ Spen run?
Quantize Recordings, which he founded in 2012 with Thommy Davis.
Did DJ Spen write “Girl You Know It’s True”?
His hip hop group Numarx wrote and recorded it in 1986. Milli Vanilli’s cover later made it a hit.
How do I book DJ Spen?
Through Onit Bookings: email tim@onitbookings.com or visit onitbookings.com/dj-spen.
Bring DJ Spen to your night
Planning a soulful, gospel or vocal house event? Send Onit Bookings your date, venue and slot, and they’ll come back with availability.
