Born and raised in the Hilltop section of Wilmington, Delaware, Dewey L. Jackson, professionally known as DJ Formula, represents a story rooted in hustle, culture, and elevation. A proud product of the First State, DJ Formula has transformed his early influences into a multi-brand empire that spans music, radio, sports, and spirits.
Hilltop Roots & A Cultural Foundation
Growing up in Hilltop taught him survival, creativity, and adaptability. “Everyone had the clothes and scratch,” he says. “If you didn’t hustle, you didn’t eat.” Being surrounded by different cultures sharpened his awareness early, forcing him to cultivate his grind accordingly.
Wilmington’s proximity to both Philadelphia and Baltimore created a unique musical tension. With two powerful neighboring cities shaping hip-hop in different ways, Wilmington had to develop its own voice. That pressure, DJ Formula says, sparked creativity. It wasn’t enough to imitate, you had to innovate.
A graduate of William Penn High School, Class of 1998, he credits the school’s competitive sports culture and drive for excellence as major influences. “It made me want to do things bigger and better.” The school produced notable athletes and musical talents alike, reinforcing the idea that greatness was possible, even from Delaware.
Delaware State University: Where Hustle Met Vision
DJ Formula’s mindset shifted dramatically at Delaware State University, where he earned a Business Administration degree in 2005. “I went from people on the streets wanting to be hustlers to going to college and being around people who looked just like me wanting to be Fortune 500 millionaires,” he reflects.
Understanding the business behind entertainment became non-negotiable. “Business is 90% of what we do. That’s why it’s called the music business.” For him, knowledge of contracts, ownership, and strategy became the foundation that allowed the creative side to flourish.
His vision of becoming a multi-brand entrepreneur evolved over time, shaped by fatherhood, changing radio landscapes, and recognizing opportunity. Education equipped him with the tools to act when doors opened.
Radio Career & Making History
DJ Formula became widely recognized through his work with Kiss 101.7, OC 104, and Live 97.5. Some of his most memorable moments weren’t just on-air, but off-mic conversations with major figures like Mr. Cheeks, Bone Crusher, T.I., Dallas Austin, and Ryan Leslie.
In 2007, he made history as the first-ever host of a college-syndicated radio show, Platinum Family Radio / The Platinum Show. What began as an effort to give underground artists a platform grew into something far bigger. The show eventually expanded into more than 60 domestic U.S. markets and 14 overseas markets—including South Africa, Macedonia, and Madrid, Spain, powered by early digital distribution and email networking.
That expansion changed his perspective. Delaware was home, but the world was much bigger. Conversations with program directors across regions taught him that media is global, and execution varies everywhere.
The Brand: DJ Formula
From proms to homecomings across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, DJ Formula has stayed relevant by staying connected to youth culture. “The high schoolers become the new college students. The college students become the new bosses.”
Balancing DJing, rapping, radio hosting, and entrepreneurship works because it’s authentic. His father DJ’d in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Music was in the blood. “I can walk into my studio and drop a 16 right now,” he says. None of it conflicts with business, because it’s genuinely him.
When people hear the name DJ Formula, he wants them to think: college-educated entrepreneur from the streets. Proof that ownership is possible.
Platinum Everything: Sports, Spirits & Scale
The Platinum Streetballers were inspired in part by his cousin, Troy “Escalade” Jackson of AND1 fame. Starting on the AND1 promo team gave him insight into the streetball world. Over time, he built his own tours—creating opportunities for players who didn’t get larger-stage exposure.
In July 2022, Platinum Kush officially became a registered business. Inspired by a conversation with attorney David Keller, who helped launch Lil Jon’s Crunk Juice, DJ Formula began studying the spirits industry during the pandemic. “Once I realized it was possible, I pulled the trigger.” Today, thousands of bottles later, Platinum Kush stands as another example of stepping out on faith and trusting preparation.
To him, “Platinum” symbolizes permanence and greatness. “Some people want platinum but settle for gold. I’m only settling for platinum or better.” It’s more than branding, it’s a standard.
Legacy & What’s Next
Giving back matters, but representation matters more. He wants young people in Delaware to see that success doesn’t require leaving your identity behind. “Stay in your lane and focus on your goal. There’s less traffic that way.”
His advice to creatives? Master ownership. Educate yourself. Protect your originality. In a room full of people doing the same thing, the one who stands out wins.
Next up: expansion of the Platinum Radio Network, new shows like Bougie Black Girls and Alma’s World, continued growth of The Platinum Show, and the Smoke Shop Philosophy podcast. He’s also preparing to launch his first large-scale festival under the Platinum brand.
From Hilltop hustle to global airwaves, DJ Formula’s journey is proof that when education meets authenticity—and hustle meets ownership, platinum isn’t just possible. It’s inevitable.
Why It Matters
DJ Formula’s journey matters because it reshapes the narrative about what success from Delaware can look like. Too often, talent from small states gets overlooked or feels pressure to relocate in order to “make it.” DJ Formula proves that you can build global reach while staying rooted in Wilmington.
His story also highlights the power of ownership. From radio syndication to streetball tours to launching Platinum Kush, he didn’t just chase visibility—he built assets. For young creatives watching, that distinction is critical. Visibility fades. Ownership scales.
In a state where resources and platforms can feel limited, DJ Formula represents blueprint thinking: get educated, understand the business, diversify your brand, and create platforms for others. Whether through the Platinum Radio Network, the Platinum Streetballers, or his work mentoring talent, his impact stretches beyond entertainment—it’s economic empowerment.
For Delaware’s next generation, the message is clear: platinum isn’t a dream. It’s a decision.
