{"id":13166,"date":"2024-08-01T15:36:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T15:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/?p=13166"},"modified":"2024-08-01T15:36:00","modified_gmt":"2024-08-01T15:36:00","slug":"roderick-king-toledos-own-dj-lyte-n-rod","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/2024\/08\/01\/roderick-king-toledos-own-dj-lyte-n-rod\/","title":{"rendered":"Roderick King: Toledo\u2019s Own DJ Lyte-N-Rod"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"By Asia Nail<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe Truth Reporter<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

When you think of a true Renaissance man, Roderick King<\/strong>, better known as DJ Lyte-N-Rod<\/em><\/strong>, is a name that should come to mind. Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, King has transformed his passion for music and community into a thriving array of businesses that serve the city in multiple ways. From his early days as a DJ to becoming a multifaceted business owner, King’s journey is an inspiring testament to creativity, resilience and community spirit.<\/p>\n

The DJing Journey Begins<\/strong><\/p>\n

King\u2019s love for music ignited at the tender age of 14 when he saw Grandmaster Flash on MTV in the early ’80s. Watching the legendary DJ work his magic with two turntables and a mixer, King was instantly hooked. \u201cFlashing,\u201d as it’s called in the DJ world, says King, involves manipulating the same record back and forth, creating a seamless flow of music that keeps the energy alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

From DJ to Business Mogul<\/strong><\/p>\n

While DJing remains his first love, King\u2019s entrepreneurial spirit has naturally led him to explore other avenues. He started Lyte House Sound, Video & Lighting<\/em><\/strong>, a company that installs sound and video equipment. His innovation didn\u2019t stop there; \u201cI became the first in Ohio to pioneer video DJing, while mixing and scratching DVDs, ” King recalls.\u00a0 \u201cWhen the technology came out it was super expensive, so I sold my car rims and my motorcycle to buy the equipment,\u201d His commitment to excellence not only paid off, it set a new standard in the industry.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Rod and Erin King<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Expanding Horizons: Lyte House Music & More<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cOn my journey I learned that most bars and clubs were not equipped with the proper sound and lighting. Most music engineers at the time wired themselves to the sound stereo, but I also taught myself how to wire into my clients\u2019 video feeds.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a wealth of self-taught knowledge under his belt, King then launched Lyte House Music & More<\/em><\/strong>, offering DJ\/VJ services for all types of events, from clubs and concerts to private parties.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow my company also handles event planning and promotion, sound and video installation, and TV and radio ad production,\u201d he explains. This holistic approach to entertainment and media has made Lyte House<\/strong> a household name in Toledo.<\/p>\n

Revving Up:\u00a0 Lyte House Customs<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIn 2016, I bought a Slingshot<\/em><\/strong> specialty vehicle, only to crash it shortly after,\u201d he recalls.<\/p>\n

Underinsured and unable to afford professional repairs, he decided to fix it himself. Essentially, he \u201cpimped his ride\u201d and everyone, everywhere took notice. \u201cThis DIY project led to the creation of Lyte House Customs<\/em><\/strong>, a business specializing in customizing Slingshot<\/em> vehicles. \u201cEveryone wanted their Slingshot<\/em> customized. SLANG GANG!\u201d<\/p>\n

In 2018, Polaris <\/em>noticed his work and sponsored him on a campaign road trip to Chicago, enabling him to expand his reach and overtime, his operations. \u201cIn 2020, I renovated my garage to accommodate three machines at once, and turned my passion of customization into another profitable venture.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Rod King<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Taste of Success: Lyte House Burgers & Billiards<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Building on his history in the bar business, King opened Lyte House Burgers & Billiards<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the summer of 2022, I had made enough profit to purchase my own bar. With the experience I gained setting up sports bars and nightclubs, I thought, ‘It’s time for my own,’ ” says King.<\/p>\n

This venue not only serves up delicious food but also offers a fun atmosphere for billiards enthusiasts. It\u2019s a place where people can gather, relax, and enjoy great music \u2013 often spun by DJ Lyte-N-Rod himself.<\/p>\n

Giving Back: The Bar Bounce<\/strong><\/p>\n

DJ Lyte-N-Rod\u2019s latest initiative, the 1st Annual Black-Owned Bar Bounce<\/em><\/strong>, epitomizes his commitment to community. This year\u2019s event showcased various Black-owned bars in Toledo, with each night featuring a different venue. \u201cThe smaller the room, the bigger the party,\u201d King says, highlighting the intimate yet lively atmosphere of each spot. The Bar Bounce <\/em>not only promotes local Black owned businesses <\/strong>but also fosters a sense of unity and pride within the community.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was an amazing experience, thank you to all who participated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Celebrating African American Culture<\/strong><\/p>\n

As part of this year\u2019s Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union\u2019s 19th Annual African American Parade and Festival,<\/em><\/strong> King\u2019s influence was evident. Held on July 20, the festival featured DJ Lyte-N-Rod’s dynamic sounds and musical performances by Jagged Edge<\/strong>, Raheem Devaughn<\/strong>, Pokey Bear<\/strong>, and Shirley Murdock<\/strong>. Comedian Kelly Williams<\/strong>, multimedia creative Jodie L. Summers<\/strong>, and saxophonist Mike Williams<\/strong> also graced the Huntington Center<\/em> stage. With over 4,500 people in attendance, the event was a massive success.<\/p>\n

A Philosophy of Service and Opportunity<\/strong><\/p>\n

For King, success is not just about personal achievement but also about serving others and seizing opportunities. \u201cWhen something comes my way, I can only fail by not attempting it,\u201d he says. His initiatives, like the Bar Bounce<\/em>, are inspired by a desire to improve the mindset and opportunities within the black business community. By supporting and collaborating with local talent, King believes in creating an ecosystem that uplifts everyone involved.<\/p>\n

\"\"A special message<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cNone of this could have ever happened without God and my beautiful wife,\u201d he acknowledges.<\/p>\n

Together, Rod and Erin King have built a business empire that not only entertains but also enriches our Glass City communities one person at a time.<\/p>\n

As DJ Lyte-N-Rod says at the end of every DJ set, \u201cThank you, Toledo, I love this city!\u201d<\/p>\n

Well, Mr. Rod King, we love you right back!<\/p>\n

Your innovative spirit, dedication to service, and genuine love for our community are unmatched. Go DJ, that\u2019s our DJ!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Follow the beat: <\/em>facebook.com\/lytenrod<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

2024 Bar Bounce Black Owned Local Businesses:<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cLyte House <\/em>Burgers & Billiards\u201d 2114 W. Alexis Rd.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cCenter Court\u201d 5929 Heatherdowns Blvd.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cRoberts\u201d 2635 N. Detroit Ave.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe 406\u201d 406 Westwood Ave.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBar Netts\u201d 3335 Lagrange St.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cClassic Lounge\u201d 2224 Nebraska Ave.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Grenadier\u201d 1343 Avondale Ave.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Asia Nail The Truth Reporter When you think of a true Renaissance man, Roderick King, better known as DJ Lyte-N-Rod, is a name that should come to mind. Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, King has transformed his passion for music and community into a thriving array of businesses that serve the city in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":13122,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,18,17],"tags":[],"wf_post_folders":[241,23],"class_list":["post-13166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cover_story","category-headline","category-local"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13166","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13166"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13166\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13172,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13166\/revisions\/13172"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13122"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13166"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13166"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13166"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=13166"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}