I don’t know about you, but there’s something absolutely magical about testing your knowledge of music trivia. Whether you’re at a party, stuck in traffic with friends, or just hanging out at home, trivia questions have this amazing way of bringing people together and sparking fascinating conversations.
I’ve always been that person who gets way too excited during pub trivia nights, especially when the music round comes up. Last summer, my friends and I were throwing a backyard barbecue, and someone suggested playing DJ trivia. Let me tell you, it was a hit! We learned so much about music history, discovered new artists, and had some pretty heated debates about who the greatest DJ of all time is.
That’s why I’ve put together this collection of 100+ DJ trivia questions that cover everything from the pioneers of hip-hop to modern electronic dance music. Whether you’re a casual music fan or a vinyl-collecting aficionado, there’s something here for everyone.
Hip-Hop DJ Pioneers
Let’s start with the legends who pretty much invented DJing as we know it. These questions will test your knowledge of the pioneers who turned turntables into instruments!
- Who is considered the “Father of Hip-Hop” and invented the breakbeat technique?
Answer: DJ Kool Herc - Which DJ popularized scratching by manipulating records back and forth on turntables?
Answer: Grandmaster Flash - Who formed the group Sugar Hill Gang with the hit “Rapper’s Delight”?
Answer: DJ Wonder Mike - Which DJ group released the groundbreaking album “Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables”?
Answer: Dead Kennedys (Note: This was actually a punk band, not a DJ group) - Who was the first DJ to win a Grammy Award for turntablism?
Answer: DJ QBert - Which female DJ was one of the first to gain recognition in hip-hop during the late 1970s?
Answer: DJ Lisa Lee - Who invented the crossfader mixer, revolutionizing DJ techniques?
Answer: DJ Grandmaster Flash - Which DJ is credited with creating the “Quick Mix Theory”?
Answer: Grandmaster Flash - Who released the influential scratch album “Rockit” with Herbie Hancock?
Answer: DJ Grand Mixer DXT - Which Harlem DJ is known for developing the “back spinning” technique?
Answer: Grandwizard Theodore
For even more deep questions about music and entertainment, check out our comprehensive collection that’s perfect for sparking meaningful conversations.
Electronic Dance Music Giants
Now we’re moving into the world of EDM, where the beats drop harder and the lights flash brighter! These questions cover the DJs who pack stadiums and create euphoric experiences.
- Who is known as the “King of EDM” and founded the record label OWSLA?
Answer: Skrillex - Which Dutch DJ is famous for the track “Levels” and tragically passed away in 2018?
Answer: Avicii (Tim Bergling) - Who created the hit song “Sandstorm,” which became a meme sensation?
Answer: Darude - Which French duo is behind the iconic album “Discovery”?
Answer: Daft Punk - Who is the highest-paid DJ in the world multiple years in a row, according to Forbes?
Answer: Calvin Harris - Which Norwegian DJ produced the global hit “Faded”?
Answer: Alan Walker - Who is known for performing at Ultra Music Festival while wearing a giant mouse head?
Answer: Deadmau5 - Which Swedish DJ is behind the track “One More Night” featuring Nicki Minaj?
Answer: Swedish House Mafia - Who collaborated with The Chainsmokers on “Don’t Let Me Down”?
Answer: Daya - Which German DJ is famous for the track “The Middle” with Maren Morris?
Answer: Zedd
Radio Personalities & Disc Jockeys
Let’s take a trip to the golden age of radio! These questions are all about the voices that ruled the airwaves.
- Who was known as “The Wolfman” and famous for his energetic late-night radio shows?
Answer: Wolfman Jack - Which radio DJ was known for saying “And this one goes out to…”?
Answer: Casey Kasem - Who created the long-running show “American Top 40”?
Answer: Casey Kasem - Which British radio host is known for his outrageous comments and was fired from the BBC?
Answer: Chris Evans - Who was the first African American radio disc jockey?
Answer: Jack L. Cooper - Which shock jock radio personality is known for his controversial interviews?
Answer: Howard Stern - Who was the legendary Detroit radio DJ known for his “Midnight Funk” show?
Answer: The Electrifying Mojo - Which radio DJ is credited with popularizing Motown music?
Answer: Eddie O’Jay - Who was the radio personality behind “Dr. Demento’s Radio Show”?
Answer: Dr. Demento (Barret Hansen) - Which female radio DJ broke barriers in the 1970s with her “The Dusty Street Show”?
Answer: Dusty Street
If you’re enjoying these trivia questions, you might also love our collection of philosophical questions that dive deep into life’s big mysteries!
DJ Equipment & Technical Knowledge
Time to get technical! These questions will separate the casual listeners from the gear heads.
- What does CDJ stand for in DJ equipment?
Answer: Compact Disc Jockey - Which company is famous for producing the Technics SL-1200 turntable?
Answer: Panasonic - What is the standard BPM range for house music?
Answer: 120-130 BPM - Which DJ software is known for its green and black interface?
Answer: Serato - What does EQ stand for in DJ mixing?
Answer: Equalization - Which Pioneer DJ mixer is considered the industry standard in clubs?
Answer: Pioneer DJM-900 - What is beatmatching in DJing?
Answer: Matching the tempo of two different songs so they can be mixed together - Which company makes the popular DJ controller DDJ-SX?
Answer: Pioneer - What is the difference between a CDJ and a turntable?
Answer: CDJs play digital files/CDs, turntables play vinyl records - What does the crossfader do on a DJ mixer?
Answer: Allows smooth transitions between two audio sources
Famous DJ Collaborations
Some magic happens when DJs team up! These questions are about the dynamic duos and super groups of the DJ world.
- Which two DJs formed The Chainsmokers?
Answer: Drew Taggart and Alex Pall - Who are the three members of Swedish House Mafia?
Answer: Axwell, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso - Which two brothers make up the drum and bass duo Rusko and Caspa?
Answer: This is incorrect – Rusko and Caspa are not brothers, they’re separate artists - Who did Skrillex collaborate with on “Bangarang”?
Answer: Sirah - Which two DJs created the supergroup Jack Ü?
Answer: Skrillex and Diplo - Who are the two Canadian brothers behind Disclosure?
Answer: Guy and Howard Lawrence - Which two DJs formed the group ODESZA?
Answer: Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight - Who collaborated with Alesso on “Years”?
Answer: Matthew Koma - Which three DJs make up the group Above & Beyond?
Answer: Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness, and Paavo Siljamäki - Who did Marshmello collaborate with on “Happier”?
Answer: Bastille
For more interesting topics to talk about that’ll keep any conversation flowing, don’t miss our extensive collection!
DJ Festivals & Events
Nothing beats the energy of a live DJ set! These questions are all about the massive festivals and events that celebrate DJ culture.
- Where is Ultra Music Festival held annually?
Answer: Miami, Florida - Which festival is considered the largest EDM festival in the United States?
Answer: Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) - In which city is the famous Fabric nightclub located?
Answer: London - What year did Tomorrowland festival begin?
Answer: 2005 - Which Las Vegas venue is known for hosting major DJ residencies?
Answer: XS Nightclub (or multiple venues like Hakkasan, Omnia) - Where does the Winter Music Conference (WMC) take place?
Answer: Miami, Florida - Which festival in the Netherlands is one of the world’s largest dance music events?
Answer: Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) - What is the name of the famous Ibiza superclub that has hosted legendary DJ sets?
Answer: Pacha (or Space, Amnesia, etc.) - Which Australian city hosts the annual Stereosonic festival?
Answer: It rotates between multiple cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide - Where is the Movement Electronic Music Festival held?
Answer: Detroit, Michigan
International & World Music DJs
DJ culture is truly global! Let’s test your knowledge of international spinners and world music mixers.
- Which Indian DJ is known for popularizing Bollywood music in the club scene?
Answer: DJ Suketu - Who is the most famous Japanese DJ known for his house music sets?
Answer: DJ Krush - Which Chinese DJ is known for blending traditional Chinese music with electronic beats?
Answer: Tanya Chua - Who is the legendary South African DJ who pioneered the amapiano genre?
Answer: DJ Maphorisa - Which Brazilian DJ is famous for his samba-infused electronic music?
Answer: DJ Marky - Who is the most well-known reggaeton DJ from Puerto Rico?
Answer: DJ Nelson - Which Nigerian DJ is credited with popularizing Afrobeat in the global market?
Answer: DJ Cuppy - Who is the famous Mexican DJ known for his Latin trap music?
Answer: DJ Luian - Which Egyptian DJ has gained international recognition for his Arabic house music?
Answer: Aly & Fila - Who is the Korean DJ that has gained popularity for K-pop remixes?
Answer: DJ SODA
DJ Records & Achievements
Let’s talk about the record breakers and history makers! These questions cover the incredible achievements in DJ culture.
- Who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest DJ set?
Answer: Braam Jooste (over 65 hours) - Which DJ was the first to headline a major stadium show?
Answer: Tiësto - Who was the first DJ to perform at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony?
Answer: Fatboy Slim - Which DJ has the most number-one hits on the Billboard Dance/Electronic charts?
Answer: Madonna (as a DJ/artist combination) - Who was the first female DJ to be nominated for a Grammy in the Best Electronic/Dance Album category?
Answer: The Blessed Madonna - Which DJ has accumulated the most streams on Spotify?
Answer: The Chainsmokers - Who was the first DJ to have their own Las Vegas residency?
Answer: Paul Oakenfold - Which DJ holds the record for the most consecutive hours mixing live on radio?
Answer: Tony Blackburn - Who was the first DJ inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Answer: Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five - Which DJ has the most followers on social media worldwide?
Answer: David Guetta - Who performed at the first Woodstock festival in 1969?
Answer: This is a trick question – DJs weren’t prominent at Woodstock, which featured live bands - Which DJ was the first to use two turntables simultaneously?
Answer: DJ Kool Herc - Who created the first DJ mix compilation album?
Answer: Grandmaster Flash - Which DJ has won the most DJ Magazine Top 100 DJs polls?
Answer: Armin van Buuren - Who was the first DJ to perform at Madison Square Garden?
Answer: Run-DMC with Jam Master Jay - Which female DJ was the first to perform at Ultra Music Festival?
Answer: Sandra Collins - Who holds the record for the most expensive DJ performance fee?
Answer: Calvin Harris or Tiësto (varies by year) - Which DJ was the first to perform in space?
Answer: This hasn’t happened yet - Who created the first scratch record specifically for DJs?
Answer: Herbie Hancock with DJ Grand Mixer DXT - Which DJ has the most YouTube subscribers?
Answer: Marshmello
For those looking to spark interesting conversations with their crush, music trivia can be a perfect icebreaker! Check out our comprehensive guide for more ideas.
- Who was the first DJ to have a diamond-certified single?
Answer: The Chainsmokers with “Closer” - Which DJ has performed at the most countries in a single year?
Answer: David Guetta - Who was the first DJ to win a Latin Grammy?
Answer: DJ Nelson - Which DJ has the longest-running radio show still on air?
Answer: Funkmaster Flex - Who was the first DJ to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show?
Answer: DJ Jazzy Jeff - Which DJ has the most gold and platinum records?
Answer: Dr. Dre - Who was the first DJ to have their own TV show?
Answer: Casey Kasem with “America’s Top 10” - Which DJ has performed at the most Coachella festivals?
Answer: Daft Punk or Disclosure (multiple appearances) - Who was the first DJ to win a Pulitzer Prize?
Answer: Kendrick Lamar (as a rapper/artist, not strictly as a DJ) - Which DJ has the most merchandise sales worldwide?
Answer: Deadmau5
Why DJ Trivia is Perfect for Any Gathering
You know what’s beautiful about DJ trivia? It’s not just entertaining – it’s educational! Every time I play these questions with my family, we learn something new about music history and culture. My teenage nephew, who thought DJs just played random songs, was blown away when he learned about the skill and artistry involved in mixing and scratching.
It reminds me of those old roadside trivia games you’d find at restaurants – except this one celebrates the art of DJing and music mixing. Plus, it’s a fantastic conversation starter that bridges generations. My mom knows all about the radio DJs from the ’70s, while my cousins school me on the latest EDM artists.
Final Thoughts
Wow, we’ve really covered a lot of ground here! From the pioneers who started it all with two turntables and a microphone to the EDM superstars filling stadiums around the world, DJ culture has come such a long way.
I hope these trivia questions brought back some memories and maybe even taught you something new! Whether you’re planning a party, looking for conversation starters, or just wanted to test your music knowledge, these questions are perfect for any occasion.
Did you know all the answers? I’ll be honest – some of these stumped me when I was researching! It’s amazing how much history and talent is packed into the world of DJing.
If you’re hungry for more trivia fun, don’t miss our awesome collections of video game trivia questions or our sports trivia questions that are perfect for your next game night!