TIM “DJ SQUARE KNOT” WILSON

From Brooklyn’s Wheels of Steel to a Lifetime of Music, Service, and Purpose

DJ • Entertainer • Radio Personality • Podcaster • U.S. Navy Veteran • Mentor • Founder of Square Knot Kids, Inc.

Music was his first love. More than four decades later, that love is stronger than ever.

It All Started With Two Turntables and a Record

Some people discover music. Others seem destined to become part of it. For Timothy “DJ Square Knot” Wilson, the journey began in Brooklyn, New York, at the age of 12, with a pair of turntables, a record, and one unforgettable opportunity that would forever change his life.

Growing up in the neighborhoods of Bedford-Stuyvesant and East New York during the formative years of Hip Hop culture, young Tim was surrounded by the sounds, rhythms, and creative energy of a musical revolution. Music had already been part of his life from an early age, but he had yet to experience the moment that would turn a childhood interest into a lifelong passion.

That moment came when someone finally allowed him to get behind the turntables, the legendary Wheels of Steel and cue up “Impeach the President” by The Honey Drippers.

From the instant the needle touched the record, something clicked. He was hooked! It wasn’t simply the excitement of playing a song. It was the feeling of being in control of the music, the ability to manipulate sound, and the realization that two turntables and a mixer could become instruments of creativity and expression.

At just 12 years old, Tim discovered something that would accompany him through adolescence, adulthood, military service, and virtually every chapter of his life. He fell in love with music.

Not just the songs, but the entire experience—the rhythms, the culture, the creativity, the connection between the DJ and the audience, and the remarkable ability of music to bring people together. From that day forward, he would affectionately refer to music as his first love. And after more than four decades, the relationship is still going strong.

Before DJ Square Knot, There Was Mighty Tee!

Long before audiences knew him as DJ Square Knot, Tim was developing his musical identity in the streets and parks of Brooklyn under a name that reflected the bold personalities and creative energy of early Hip Hop. He was known as: “The Almighty Power Lord – Mighty Mix Master Tee.” Or, as friends and fellow performers affectionately called him, “Mighty Tee.”

During his teenage years, Tim connected with other young men who shared his enthusiasm for music, turntables, microphones, and the rapidly evolving Art of DJ’ing. Together, they formed the High Power Phase I Crew, a collective of DJs, MCs, and a Human Beat Box who embraced the creative spirit of Hip Hop. While many members of a crew specialized in one particular skill, Mighty Tee embraced all three. He was a DJ, an MC, and a Human Beat Box. Behind the turntables, he learned the importance of timing, musical selection, mixing, and controlling the energy of an audience. On the microphone, he developed his voice, confidence, and ability to communicate with a crowd. As a Human Beat Box, he explored rhythm from an entirely different perspective, using his own voice and body as instruments to create percussion and musical patterns. Each role strengthened his understanding of the others. And together, they helped shape the versatile entertainer he would eventually become. For Mighty Tee and the High Power Phase I Crew, Hip Hop wasn’t simply something they listened to. It was something they lived. Brooklyn Was the Classroom. Hip Hop Was the Education.

Growing up in Bedford-Stuyvesant and East New York meant being surrounded by a culture that was rapidly developing its own identity. Hip Hop was more than a musical genre. It was a movement that gave young people an opportunity to express themselves through DJ’ing, MC’ing, breaking, beatboxing, and other creative outlets. For Tim, some of the most memorable experiences came from attending neighborhood jams at Tompkins Park, along with gatherings throughout East New York and Brownsville. These events were far more than ordinary parties. They were places where young DJs demonstrated their skills, MCs commanded microphones, dancers showcased their moves, and aspiring artists learned from one another.  There were no online tutorials, streaming classes, or social media platforms providing instant instruction. You learned by watching. You learned by listening. You learned by practicing. And sometimes, you learned by making mistakes in front of people who knew exactly what they were hearing! Those experiences taught Mighty Tee the value of preparation, creativity, persistence, and respecting the craft. They also introduced him to something that would become central to his philosophy as an entertainer:

A great DJ doesn’t simply play music. A great DJ creates an experience.

Brooklyn gave him the foundation, Hip Hop gave him an identity, and music gave him a sense of belonging that would remain with him wherever life took him.

From Brooklyn to North Carolina: A New Stage, Same Passion

At the age of 16, Tim’s life took an unexpected turn when his mother decided to relocate the family from Brooklyn to North Carolina. For a teenager immersed in New York’s Hip Hop culture, moving south represented a major change. The surroundings were different. The people were different. The musical atmosphere was different. But one thing remained exactly the same. His love for music.

While attending Clinton High School in Clinton, North Carolina, where he completed the 12th grade, Mighty Tee brought his Brooklyn musical influences and creative energy to a new environment. Whether participating in dance performances, talent shows, or guest DJ appearances, he continued finding opportunities to entertain and share his talents. His experience growing up in Brooklyn gave him a distinctive perspective on Hip Hop and DJ culture, and he wasn’t shy about sharing it. Through music, dancing, and performing, Mighty Tee continued making a name for himself. More importantly, he discovered that music could create connections between people from different backgrounds and communities. It didn’t matter whether the audience was in Brooklyn or Clinton. When the right song played, people responded. And when a DJ understood the music and the people listening, something special could happen. That lesson would stay with him throughout his entertainment career.

Answering the Call to Serve: The United States Navy

Following high school, Tim enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning a new chapter that would require tremendous discipline, commitment, sacrifice, and dedication. Military life brought demanding schedules, technical schooling, assignments, and deployments that often left little opportunity to perform as a DJ. The young man who once spent countless hours around turntables and neighborhood jams now found himself focused on serving his country. But while the Navy changed his daily routine, it never changed his relationship with music. In fact, music became even more important. There were times when Tim couldn’t get behind a traditional DJ setup, but that didn’t mean he stopped creating musical experiences. Instead, he found another way. Long before digital music libraries, streaming platforms, and modern playlists became part of everyday life, Tim began creating custom mixtapes by carefully combining songs from multiple cassette tapes. As technology evolved, he incorporated CDs into the process. What started as a way to keep his favorite music together eventually became something he could share with fellow sailors.

During deployments, sailors often wanted music for workouts, relaxation, or other activities aboard ship. Carrying several cassette tapes wasn’t always practical, particularly when space was limited or when someone simply wanted to enjoy a continuous selection of songs. Tim helped solve that problem. By combining music from multiple sources into one or two carefully arranged tapes, he created convenient listening experiences for himself and others. In many ways, he was creating personalized playlists long before today’s digital platforms made the process effortless. And although the equipment was different from the turntables he loved, the fundamentals remained the same. Selecting the right songs. Understanding musical flow. Creating a mood. And giving listeners something they could enjoy from beginning to end. For more than 15 years, throughout military schooling, deployments, and the demands of Navy life, Tim continued finding ways to keep his first love close.

Music Is Therapy: Finding Peace Thousands of Miles From Home

Serving aboard a United States Navy ship can be an experience unlike anything most people will ever know. Imagine being in the middle of the ocean, with the nearest land thousands of miles away. No familiar neighborhood streets. No quick drive home. No opportunity to simply leave work behind at the end of the day. For Tim, those experiences reinforced the emotional power of music. Music became a connection to home, to memories, to family, and to the life he had known before military service. It provided comfort during difficult times, relaxation after demanding days, and an opportunity to escape mentally when physical surroundings offered few alternatives. It was entertainment, certainly. But it was also something much deeper.

Music became his therapy.

Even today, Tim describes the Art of DJ’ing as a tremendous release, something that has helped him navigate challenges, manage stress, celebrate life’s victories, and find peace during difficult seasons. His love for music is not based solely on the excitement of entertaining an audience. It is rooted in a personal understanding of what music can do for the human spirit. And that understanding has shaped the way he approaches every performance. Because sometimes, the right song does more than get people dancing. Sometimes, it helps them remember. Sometimes, it helps them heal. And sometimes, it simply helps them get through the day.

The Return to the DJ Booth and the Birth of DJ Square Knot

Although military service occupied much of his time, Tim never completely walked away from DJ’ing. Whenever opportunities presented themselves, he continued performing, including events and gatherings associated with his Masonic lodge. The passion never disappeared. It simply waited for the right opportunity to take center stage again. After returning to North Carolina, Tim began reconnecting with the DJ scene and expanding his involvement in entertainment. By 2012, a new chapter had begun. And with it came a new name…DJ Square Knot.

While the name was different, the foundation remained firmly rooted in Brooklyn and the experiences of Mighty Tee. He brought decades of musical appreciation, an understanding of Hip Hop culture, military discipline, and the ability to connect with audiences across generations. His approach to DJ’ing reflected everything he had learned throughout his life. A DJ must understand the audience. A DJ must respect the music. A DJ must know how to create an atmosphere. And perhaps most importantly, a DJ must remember that the event is about the people being entertained, not simply the person standing behind the equipment. 

Through Square Knot Entertainment, Tim continued sharing his musical talents at weddings, family reunions, private celebrations, community events, parties, and other occasions where people gather to celebrate life’s special moments. He developed a reputation for appreciating music across eras and genres while remaining deeply connected to the culture that first inspired him. Nearly 14 years after reestablishing himself on the North Carolina DJ scene, his enthusiasm remains as strong as ever. And while audiences now know him as DJ Square Knot, he has never forgotten Mighty Tee. In fact, he still proudly carries a tattoo bearing the name “Mighty Tee.” For Tim, the tattoo is much more than a reminder of a former stage name. It represents his roots, his journey, his humble beginnings, and the 12-year-old Brooklyn kid who discovered a lifelong passion behind a pair of turntables. The name may have changed. The equipment may have evolved. But the love has never faded.

Beyond the DJ Booth: Bringing Music to the Airwaves

For someone who grew up during an era when DJs played an essential role in introducing music to their communities, expanding into radio was a natural progression. Today, DJ Square Knot is also a terrestrial radio personality, sharing his musical knowledge, personality, and love for entertainment with listeners through OAK 93.5 WRLY-LP Raleigh since June 2020. He co-hosts the Monday evening program “The Chill Zone w/ DJ Square Knot, Lady J ‘The Smooth Operator’ & Jolly111 in the Mixcloud.” The show provides another platform for connecting with listeners, sharing music, and celebrating the sounds that bring people together. But Tim’s desire to communicate and connect extends beyond traditional radio. He also hosts his own podcast, “Square Knot Live!”, distributed across major podcast platforms. Through podcasting and his involvement in DJ-focused conversations and interviews, he continues engaging with the people, stories, and experiences that shape music and DJ culture. For Tim, radio and podcasting are extensions of the same passion that began in Brooklyn. Whether standing behind turntables, speaking into a microphone, or interviewing someone with a compelling story, the objective remains the same. Connect. Entertain. Educate. Inspire.

A Childhood That Shaped a Lifetime

As meaningful as his entertainment career has been, one of the most important chapters of Tim’s story began long before he ever became DJ Square Knot. It began with the lessons he learned growing up in Brooklyn. Tim often reflects on the reality that young people in his neighborhood faced different paths. One path could lead toward negative influences and the challenges associated with street life. Another could lead toward education, discipline, creativity, opportunity, and personal growth. His mother was determined that he would have every opportunity to pursue the latter. Raised in a home where good morals, strong values, respect, and personal responsibility were expected, Tim learned early that the decisions he made would have consequences. But his mother also understood something equally important. The lessons taught at home needed to continue when her son was away from home. She couldn’t accompany him everywhere he went or control every influence he encountered. What she could do was help ensure that he remained involved in constructive activities that reinforced the values she was teaching. So she kept him engaged. Music camps. Sports programs. Martial arts. Creative activities. Summer camps and other youth development opportunities. These experiences did more than occupy his time. They introduced him to new interests, helped him develop discipline, exposed him to positive role models, and taught him how to work with others. They provided structure and helped him discover abilities that might otherwise have remained unexplored. At the time, he may not have fully understood why his mother insisted on keeping him involved in so many activities. But as he grew older, served his country, and reflected on his life, the importance of those opportunities became increasingly clear. Tim frequently describes those childhood experiences as part of the fabric of the man he is today. And eventually, he began asking himself an important question. If those camps and programs made such a difference in his life, why couldn’t he help provide similar opportunities for the next generation? That question would become the inspiration behind something much bigger than entertainment.

Square Knot Kids, Inc.: Engaging Youth Through The Arts

In October 2018, Tim founded Square Knot Kids, Inc., a North Carolina nonprofit organization built on a deeply personal mission: Engaging Youth Through The Arts. The organization was created to provide young people with opportunities to explore creativity, develop confidence, learn valuable skills, and discover positive pathways for their futures. For Tim, Square Knot Kids represents the opportunity to pay forward the experiences that helped shape his own childhood. He understands firsthand how exposure to music, arts education, mentorship, and structured activities can influence a young person’s development. And he believes those opportunities should not be limited by a family’s financial circumstances or a child’s ZIP code. Serving communities in Johnston, Harnett, and Wake counties in North Carolina, Square Knot Kids focuses particularly on expanding access to arts experiences for children in underserved communities. The organization’s programs introduce young people to creative expression while helping them strengthen important life skills such as communication, discipline, teamwork, leadership, self-confidence, and problem-solving.

In November 2023, Square Knot Kids received federal recognition as a 501(c)(3) public charity, further establishing the organization’s foundation for continued community service. But for Tim, the mission has always been about more than organizational milestones. It is about making a difference in the life of a child. One opportunity. One experience. One discovery. One young person at a time.

Teaching the Next Generation the Art of DJ’ing

One of the signature experiences offered through Square Knot Kids is its DJ Camp programming. And this is where Tim’s story comes full circle. The same young man who first touched the Wheels of Steel at 12 is now introducing children to the very art form that changed his life. Through hands-on instruction, Tim has taught hundreds of children the fundamentals of DJ’ing, helping them understand that the craft involves far more than pressing play. Students learn how to count music, recognize beats and musical phrases, understand timing, and explore different DJ techniques. They are introduced to equipment, musical transitions, performance skills, and the importance of practice and preparation. But Tim takes the experience a step further. He also introduces students to the entrepreneurial side of DJ’ing. He wants young people to understand that a creative talent can become more than a hobby. With dedication, professionalism, business knowledge, and the willingness to learn, that talent can open doors to entrepreneurship, entertainment careers, and other opportunities. He encourages students to see themselves not only as DJs, but as creators, problem-solvers, business owners, and leaders. The lessons extend far beyond the turntables. Students practice listening. They learn patience. They build confidence. They experience the importance of preparation. And they discover what it feels like to accomplish something they may initially have believed was beyond their abilities. For Tim, seeing a child successfully complete a mix, understand a musical technique, or confidently demonstrate a new skill is an experience that money cannot replace. Because he remembers what it felt like to be that child. The excitement. The curiosity. The sense of possibility. And the moment when something new suddenly becomes something you love.

Every Child Has Creativity Waiting to Be Discovered

Although DJ’ing holds a special place in Tim’s heart, his vision for Square Knot Kids has never been limited to music alone. He believes every child has creativity within them. The challenge is providing opportunities for that creativity to emerge. Through Visual and Performing Arts Camps, including Canvas Art Camps and other creative experiences, Square Knot Kids encourages children to explore different forms of artistic expression. Some children may discover a passion for music. Others may find their talents through painting, drawing, dance, performance, or other creative activities. Not every child will become a professional artist, entertainer, or entrepreneur. And that isn’t the expectation. The goal is to help young people discover their abilities, develop confidence, express themselves constructively, and learn skills that will serve them throughout life. For Tim, creativity is not simply about producing a finished piece of artwork or learning a performance technique. It is about personal growth. It is about helping a shy child find the courage to participate. Helping a hesitant child develop confidence. Helping a young person discover that mistakes are part of learning. And helping children recognize that their ideas, talents, and voices matter. These are the same types of lessons Tim learned through the programs his mother enrolled him in decades ago. And now, through Square Knot Kids, he is helping ensure that those opportunities continue for another generation.

Passing the Torch: A New Generation Behind the Turntables

For Tim, the connection between music, family, and the next generation has become especially meaningful through his granddaughter, Ya’Keema, affectionately known as “DJ Nugget.” Her interest in the turntables began when she was just six months old. What started as childhood curiosity has continued to develop into a genuine interest in the Art of DJ’ing. At eight years old, DJ Nugget has already participated in DJ Camp and even joined her grandfather as a guest on the radio. For someone whose own musical journey began at age 12, watching his granddaughter discover the excitement of music brings a special sense of fulfillment. There is something remarkable about seeing a passion that began in Brooklyn decades ago continue through another generation of the family. Tim understands the importance of providing young people with opportunities to explore their interests, develop skills, and discover their potential. With DJ Nugget, that mission becomes personal in a different way. He isn’t simply teaching another student. He’s sharing part of his life’s journey with his granddaughter. And while her own musical story is still being written, the connection represents something Tim values deeply: The opportunity to pass knowledge, culture, creativity, and passion from one generation to the next. The little boy who once stood behind the Wheels of Steel in Brooklyn is now a grandfather helping inspire the next generation of DJs. And that is a legacy worth celebrating.

The Man Behind the Music

Today, Timothy “DJ Square Knot” Wilson wears many hats. He is a Brooklyn-bred Hip Hop enthusiast. A DJ and entertainer. A radio personality and podcaster. A United States Navy veteran. A mentor and youth advocate. A nonprofit founder and Executive Director. A grandfather. And, perhaps most importantly, a lifelong student and lover of music. His journey has taken him from the neighborhood jams of Brooklyn to the halls of Clinton High School, across the world’s oceans aboard United States Navy ships, into DJ booths throughout North Carolina, onto radio airwaves, and into classrooms where children are discovering their own creative abilities. Along the way, he has experienced the power of music from nearly every perspective. As a young DJ learning the craft. As an MC commanding a microphone. As a Human Beat Box creating rhythms. As a sailor finding comfort in music while far from home. As an entertainer helping families celebrate important moments. As a radio personality connecting with listeners. And as a mentor watching children discover the same excitement that once changed his life. Through it all, one thing has remained constant. His love for music. It has been his companion through difficult times, his creative outlet during challenging seasons, and his source of joy throughout the years. It has helped him build friendships, connect with communities, and create memories that extend far beyond any individual performance. And through Square Knot Kids, it has become a vehicle for creating opportunities that may positively influence young people for years to come.

More Than a DJ. More Than Four Decades of Passion.

Ask Tim what keeps him connected to music after all these years, and the answer isn’t complicated. He still loves it. He loves discovering music. He loves hearing a familiar song bring back memories. He loves watching an audience respond when the right record comes on. He loves the creativity involved in mixing, blending, and building a musical experience. And he loves sharing what he has learned with others. The technology has changed dramatically since that first experience with the Wheels of Steel. Vinyl records gave way to cassettes, CDs, digital music, and modern DJ controllers. The neighborhood jams of Brooklyn have evolved into a world of live events, radio broadcasts, podcasts, and online entertainment. But the fundamentals of the Art of DJ’ing remain as important to Tim today as they were when he first began. Know your music. Respect the craft. Understand your audience. Never stop learning. And never forget where you came from. That last lesson is particularly important. Because somewhere beneath the name DJ Square Knot, the radio personality, the Navy veteran, and the nonprofit founder, there is still a 12-year-old Brooklyn kid named Mighty Tee who fell in love with music the moment he was allowed to touch the turntables. And after more than four decades, that young man’s passion continues to shape everything Tim does.

For Timothy “DJ Square Knot” Wilson, DJ’ing has never been just about playing records. It’s about passion. It’s about culture. It’s about connection. It’s about service. It’s about creating memories. And it’s about using something you love to make a difference in the lives of others.

From Brooklyn’s Wheels of Steel to the stages and airwaves of North Carolina, from Navy ships thousands of miles from home to classrooms filled with aspiring young artists, his story is a testament to what can happen when passion meets purpose. And the journey is far from over. Because music was his first love. And it’s a love that continues to grow stronger with every beat.

THE MUSIC. THE CULTURE. THE EXPERIENCE.

DJ SQUARE KNOT — MORE THAN A DJ. A LIFETIME DEDICATED TO THE ART.

When you book DJ Square Knot, you’re getting more than someone who knows how to play music. You’re getting an entertainer with authentic roots in Hip Hop culture, decades of musical experience, a deep appreciation for audiences across generations, and a genuine passion for creating unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a wedding, family reunion, milestone birthday, private celebration, corporate gathering, community event, or old-school party, DJ Square Knot brings the experience, professionalism, and musical knowledge to help make your occasion memorable.

Square Knot Entertainment — Where Experience Meets Passion.