DJ Pope, known offstage as José David Rivera, has spent over two decades weaving his influence through the vibrant tapestry of reggaeton in Colombia. Initially charming his way through life in Medellín, often seen with his first DJ console—a modest piece that heralded his entry into nightlife—his journey began years earlier in Connecticut. That year was pivotal, marked by late-night sessions with Puerto Rican and Dominican classmates, listening to their colorful musical heritage. Yet, somewhere in all this, there’s a lingering uncertainty about whether his Connecticut experience or his roots in Medellín truly shaped his passion for music.

Returning home fueled by youthful exuberance, Pope wasn’t just a DJ—he was a pioneer at the heart of a sprawling cultural movement. Alongside J Balvin, their chemistry seemed almost serendipitous; many questioned his choice to shift from the group Tres Pesos to work with the relatively unknown Balvin. “There wasn’t even a space for a Colombian artist in Colombia,” he once lamented, a reminder of the barriers faced when the streets of Medellín were both their playground and their battleground.

Unyielding in his vision, he channeled his passion into 574 Studios, establishing a collective crucial for nurturing emerging talent in his hometown. DJ Pope viewed the 574 not just as a record label but as a lifeline for artists seeking a foothold in an unfamiliar industry—one that previously offered little. His hope was palpable: to construct an ecosystem where music, culture, and community intertwined, inspired by memories of a distant, less resourceful time.

The unpredictability of the music industry hasn’t dimmed his drive; he speaks of growth and globalization as if they were right around the corner. With collaborations bubbling in the pipeline, including dream partnerships with hot names in the industry, he senses that 574 is on the brink of becoming an empire. And maybe, just maybe, the global stage he aims for isn’t just a distant dream, but a two-fold affirmation of the new Medellín that thrives on creativity and resilience.