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Courtney Laquan Castro "DJ Authorize"

DJ Authorize (born Courtney Laquan Castro at Bronx Lebanon Hospital; September 18, 1980) is an American hip hop DJ, ex-basketball player of Puerto Rican and Panamanian descent. His DJ name is the result of a comment made during a basketball game where the authorization of his shots were in question because he was a new player to the scene.

Courtney Castro, better known as DJ Authorize, has explored many avenues of success from basketball to turntables and the likes combined. Castro started out on the blacktop, diving deep into his love of basketball, playing four seasons for the Harlem Wizards, one season for the Quebec Kebs and a season overseas in Taiwan. With the hopes of making it to the NBA, Courtney worked out with the Brooklyn Nets, but was released just before training camp. With the understanding that everything happens for a reason, Castro ventured into music and found a passion behind the 1’s and 2’s and the birth of DJ Authorize happened. Taking the time to apprentice under many of the NY greats, he made it a point to become a student first before pursuing this passion professionally.

DJ Authorize has been the go to man for many Nike events including its premiere “Tournament of Champions” and the Jordan popup shop during the Jordan Brand Classic in Brooklyn. He provides the soundtrack at the Miami Pro League every summer in Miami and one half of the Joe Pope and DJ Authorize dynamic duo. DJ Authorize is the reoccurring DJ during The Rose Classic and Conrad McRae Youth League, both occur in Brooklyn, NY.

Castro has done some publication work, appearing in Essence magazine as “Essence’s single man of month” as well as one of 15 featured for “The REAL Brooklyn’s Finest”. You can also see him as an extra in the 2010 Sports drama Just Wright.

Before taking on DJing full time, DJ Authorize worked very closely with troubled teens in group homes around the greater NYC area. As a former foster child himself, he understands the importance of constant adult figures in the lives of young children. After pursuing DJing on a full time basis, he still makes it a priority to take DJ opportunities for the children he has worked with, authorizing a great and carefree time.

In 2009, DJ Authorize decided to expand his brand, and become an entrepreneur full time. I AUTHORIZE THIS was founded to help encourage people with the "Authorization" to achieve what is most important to them with full confidence and without fear. “No one can hold you back from what is rightfully yours.” Wearing I AUTHORIZE THIS apparel is a brand but also a STATEMENT of opportunity.

Background

Basketball Career

DJ Career