The RTV/DJ Collab We Didn't Know We Needed: James Kennedy and Pauly D

Reality television brings all different types of personalities to the forefront of popular culture. Whether they're on a dating show or a talent competition, they become stars thanks to the viewers watching at home. These viewers are drawn to their personality and this inevitably helps them in other areas of their career.

This is definitely true for DJ Pauly D and James Kennedy. The two are known for their roles on the shows Jersey Shore and Vanderpump Rules, respectively. While the two are best known as reality stars, they also made a splash in the music world.

Recently, the two announced a joint tour and reality fans' minds were blown. The idea of these two personalities joining forces was a lot for some to handle and caused a great deal of excitement. It was especially exciting for people who are fans of both shows.

The Public Reacts To Pauly D And James Kennedy Going On Tour Together

When the public first heard that DJ Pauly D and James Kennedy would be going on tour together, many people were excited. Particularly, reality television fans who grew up watching Jersey Shore and love Vanderpump Rules.

In a Reddit thread, one user started by asking if anyone would be attending their show in Washington DC. The user wrote, "My middle school and adult reality tv is colliding and i am so excited." Someone responded, "I’m here just being jealous."

Another person wrote, "I’m not but I was in Vegas last weekend and they were both playing, James Kennedy during the day (we went to that) and Pauly D at night. I tried to get everyone to go to Pauly D for nostalgia but was overruled and we went to Lil Jon instead which was so much fun. Basically, I wish I could’ve seen both shows and I hope you have fun!"

While many people were excited, some weren't thrilled with the start time of the event. "lol I’m going and my old a** googled this show to figure out what time it actually starts and what the heck we wear to these now," one user wrote. Another replied, "Woah — I can only imagine! I am an old, so please please report back to those of us who are in bed by 9pm!"

Why Pauly D And Amanda Markert Fought Over Their Daughter, Amabella Sophia

After Pauly D and Amanda Markert's daughter was born, they fought over custody and child support.

Posts

"I’m not but I went to see James when he was in Baltimore in June. So much fun but he didn’t go on until 11:30," someone else posted. "I had a sleep hang over more than anything." "pauly d posted on his story that james starts 11:30 and he starts at 1," the original poster replied. "ill be struggling."

James Kennedy's Father Was An Important Figure In His Musical Career

When James appeared on a 2015 episode of the Vanderpump Rules After Show, he opened up about his love of music. According to the reality star, it began at a very young age.

"There was one day I remember my dad caught me just sitting in my room listening to Oasis and I remember the look on my dad's face, like 'I knew it, this kid. He loves music,'" James remembered. "Because my whole life before, I was like 'I love soccer! I want to play football,'" he said. "And it was that day my dad realized this kid is going to be in music."

James ended up learning piano, violin, and guitar. He also began producing music at just 14 when he moved to Ibiza. Later, he would score an internship at Interscope records. This ultimately led James to SUR, where he asked for a DJ gig.

Andros Georgiou, James' father, was the managing director of Aegean Records. Andros was also a friend of George Michael, who later became James' godfather. This was another factor in shaping James' music career. "He understands what you need, you need the talent, and you need a look as well," James said of his father. "You need a brand."

Andros even praised his son's music career in a 2013 episode of Vandrpump Rules. "You've come on so far from those early days, right?" he said.

While James can't sing, he raps on songs. His first collaboration with fellow Vandepump Rules cast member Lala Kent, "Feeling You," is one example. "I rap because I've written poems a lot in my life, and it's come to the point where it's like a very Eminem style rap, I'm very quick, Dizzy Rascal, maybe, a very British-style grind," James said.

James has shown off his freestyle skills and even referred to himself as "White Kanye" in 2016. "I think I'm like him in the sense that I explore sound," James told The Daily Dish that same year. "I want to create something no one has heard or seen before and I have nothing stopping me, the only thing that could possibly stop me is myself."

Perhaps smartly, James decided to retire that nickname in September 2020. "I'm just going to be James Kennedy — the best DJ I can be, myself," he told Page Six. "But his music still lives within me."

James' first EP, "Blitz," was released in 2014. This was followed by his first album, "Pump Sessions," in 2016. Several of James' original songs have been featured on Vanderpump Rules and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. He also posts remixes of his songs to Soundcloud, a platform which has become a social media staple for DJs.

Exclusive: James Kennedy Talks Life With ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Cast And Girlfriend Raquel Leviss

Kennedy's relationship with his castmates is still strong, although the VPR family is split down the middle when cameras are off.

Posts

Fans of his reality television journey will be happy to know that his Vanderpump Rules cast members frequently appear on his tracks. James collaborated with Ariana Madix on the song "Party" in 2019. He has also featured Lala, his frequent collaborator and close friend, on songs like "Playboy Bunny" and "Ride with Me."

Pauly D Revealed He Never Prepares A DJ Set For The Events He Works For

In 2023, Pauly spoke to Las Vegas Magazine about his residency at The Cosmopolitan and his love for Las Vegas. "It’s really dope," he said. "It’s all about aligning with all the right people that are a good match, and the Tao Group people are such a good match for me because we’re all about good vibes, positivity, and they have all the dopest and biggest venues in Las Vegas."

Pauly continued, "I’m out here living my dream residency. I remember the first interview I ever did, and they always wanted to know what I wanted to do: I wanted to spin in Las Vegas, and I got that one opportunity about 13 years ago and I haven’t left since—that’s how much I love Las Vegas."

Pauly told the outlet that the variety Las Vegas offers is what he loves so much about the city. "The first time I came out here, it was everything that I imagined; everything I dreamed of," he said. "The billboards, the lights, the dining—I loved that part of it."

"But I also love where I live," Pauly continued. "I live 20 minutes away from it all where the mountains are. I love hiking and being outdoors at Mount Charleston and Red Rock Canyon. You can go skiing, you can shoot guns, you can race cars. Everything you want to do in Las Vegas, you can do. I love it here. I haven’t left since I’ve been here. I want to keep rocking out here."

When asked to describe his set, Pauly explained that he gears the music for the audience he plays for. And since those crowds are usually quite diverse, Pauly offers a lot of variety in his DJ sets.

"My show is big energy," Pauly said. "Huge energy! My show is great vibes. (It’s) a little bit of everything because my crowd is so mixed, so I’m able to play open-format (music), so I’m playing a little bit of everything. It’s a lot of high-energy dance music, but also—I’ll hit ’em with the hip-hop, I’ll hit ’em with rock, I’ll hit ’em with reggaeton, simply because people are coming from all over the world—all walks of life are coming to my shows, and I love that."

He continued, "Music is an international language—it’s what brings everyone together, and I have to set that vibe, set that mood and bring that memorable experience. That’s why I love music so much. I’ve seen what music does to people—it makes them happy and that’s why I love to do it."

While many DJs prepare a set they're going to play for a particular event, Pauly offered a revelation that might surprise some.

"I’ve never made a set in my entire life," he admitted. "I have to play to the crowd. Obviously I group together certain music and I have to make sure to play the hits and the bangers. I have an idea of the first four songs I’m gonna play to start the night, but it’s really the crowd that takes me on the journey. I don’t know where I’m going next."

Vanderpump Rules' Raquel Leviss Leaves Her Own Podcast

The reality star was at the center of "Scandoval" and now wants to step away from the spotlight.

Posts 1

"Maybe the crowd isn’t reacting to dance music—so I gotta switch it up," Pauly continued. "In Vegas, there’s always different crowds, so sometimes I’ll think that I’ll be playing a whole house (music) night and then I end up playing a...hip-hop night instead, because I have to play to the crowd. I love to do it; it keeps me on my toes."

UPDATE: James Kennedy has recently been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence. It is unclear if this will affect the future of the tour.