DJ Candlestick

DJ Candlestick, born Omar Barton, is an American DJ, record producer, and radio personality from Houston, Texas. He is best known for his work in the chopped-and-screwed subgenre and as a member of The Chopstars collective. His remix style, called ChopNotSlop, pays homage to DJ Screw's legacy while modernizing it for today's audience. Through his radio presence and live performances, he has become a defining voice in hip-hop remix culture.

Growing up in Houston's thriving hip-hop scene deeply influenced his love for slow, immersive beats. The legacy of DJ Screw inspired him to experiment with tempo and tone to evoke new emotions through sound. His early exposure to radio broadcasting gave him a platform to merge community, creativity, and storytelling through music. These influences combined to form his distinctive musical path.

ChopNotSlop is a remix technique that slows down and manipulates tracks, creating a hypnotic and emotional listening experience. DJ Candlestick helped evolve this art form as part of The Chopstars, refining it with smoother transitions and contemporary flair. The name represents respect for DJ Screw's original style while highlighting the group's focus on quality, or 'no slop.' It has since become a recognized subgenre embraced by global audiences.

He has worked with a range of influential artists including Drake, Brent Faiyaz, Don Toliver, and The Carters. His remixes often appear on OVO Sound's SiriusXM channel, Sound42, where he serves as a key mixer. These collaborations have helped bring the ChopNotSlop sound to mainstream audiences. His influence extends through the global hip-hop and R&B communities.

Some of his most notable works include Chop Care (2011), Nabuma Rubberband ChopNotSlop Remix (2015), Purple Moonlight (2017), and Wasteland ChopNotSlop Remix (2023). Each project showcases his ability to transform existing works into emotionally rich soundscapes. His ongoing Sunday show on Sound42 SiriusXM continues to reach a worldwide audience. Collectively, these projects solidify his role as a modern innovator in hip-hop remixing.

Fans can tune into his mixes on SiriusXM's Sound42 channel, streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify, and The Chopstars' official platforms. Many of his ChopNotSlop projects are also available on streaming under The Chopstars brand. His shows frequently feature collaborations with emerging and established artists. These channels provide the best access to his evolving catalog.

He began his broadcasting career at KTSU 90.9 FM, the radio station affiliated with his alma mater in Houston. Later, he moved to KQBT 93.7 The Beat, where his distinct ear for mixing earned him local acclaim. His deep understanding of audience engagement helped transition him into national radio via SiriusXM. These experiences shaped his ability to blend radio storytelling with live DJ energy.

Yes, DJ Candlestick continues to perform, produce, and host shows on SiriusXM's Sound42. He remains an active member of The Chopstars, promoting the ChopNotSlop sound to new audiences. His work often bridges cultural and generational gaps, maintaining relevance in a rapidly evolving music industry. His consistency and innovation ensure his legacy continues to grow.

He frequently performs at music festivals, hip-hop events, and special showcases celebrating Houston culture. His live sets are known for their immersive energy and emotional depth. Fans often describe his performances as both nostalgic and forward-looking, capturing the essence of chopped-and-screwed artistry. Updates about his appearances are typically announced through The Chopstars' official channels and social media.

DJ Candlestick has played a vital role in preserving and evolving Houston's chopped-and-screwed legacy for modern audiences. By collaborating with major artists and introducing slowed remixes to streaming platforms, he expanded the subgenre's reach. His work emphasizes musical emotion, rhythm, and reinterpretation as tools of storytelling. This has inspired a new generation of DJs to view remixing as an expressive, respected art form.