Damon Juan Lopez, professionally known as Gr1mz, is a multi-talented DJ and music producer based in Laguna Hills, California. Born on July 12, 1991, Gr1mz was raised in Lake Forest, CA, by a single mother who instilled in him the values of humility, respect, and responsibility. Growing up, Gr1mz was interested in various hobbies, including DJing, hiking, reading books, and comic books.
Gr1mz’s love for music started at an early age, and it was in high school that he got his first DJ mixer. With the support of his high school teacher, Mrs. Iribarne, Gr1mz got his first gig, which was a school dance. He then started getting booked for private events and eventually made his way to the club scene in 2018. Gr1mz is known for his open-format DJ style, which encompasses various genres such as Reggaeton, Moombahton, and house music. His genre of choice, however, is Reggaeton, which eventually led him to be known in the music industry.
In 2019, Gr1mz had a life-altering experience when he suffered a stroke and was paralyzed for six months. It was during this time that he realized the importance of letting out his emotions and finding strength within himself. With the support of his family and close friends, Gr1mz made a full recovery and started his hormone therapy in 2020. He made his comeback by DJing at Avalon for Winter Wonderland and eventually got booked for several beach festivals.
Gr1mz’s unique style of dressing as a Mariachi and painting his face is a tribute to his single mother, who was raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco, where charros are known for their traditional attire. The skull, a symbol of his religion (La Niña Blanca), is also a reminder of his near-death experience and a tribute to his late aunt, who passed away from cancer.
In 2021, Gr1mz got involved with the LGBTQIA community and started working with the group of “Solita” as their DJ, creating a safe space for the people in the community to be themselves and perform. He also started playing part-time at another club in Anaheim, called Bravo Night Club, for Latin nights.
Despite the struggles of growing up as part of the LGBTQIA community and working multiple jobs to save up for his own DJ equipment, Gr1mz never lost sight of his dream. Today, he has a team of professionals supporting him, including his DJ manager, Andrea K Portillo, producer/artist manager, Mizter Bonezz, and photographer, Ivan Morales (Fgm Shoots).
Gr1mz continues to work hard, balancing his DJ gigs with two full-time jobs, one as a caregiver for adults with disabilities and the other in the medical field for the elderly. Despite the lack of sleep and the pressure of providing for his mother, who recently suffered a heart attack, Gr1mz remains determined to keep pushing and reach his goal of performing on a big stage with his mother by his side.
DJ Gr1mz’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. He has overcome numerous obstacles to become a trailblazer in the music industry and is an inspiration to many.
