DJ Spen (Sean Spencer) is a Baltimore DJ, producer and remixer, and the founder of Quantize Recordings, one of the leading labels in soulful house. A member of The Basement Boys since 1989, he co-wrote Girl You Know It’s True, scored Billboard Dance Club No.1s, and produced Praying For You, whose Louie Vega remix earned a Grammy nomination.
DJ Spen at a glance
- Real name: Sean Spencer
- Born: 13 October 1968
- From: Baltimore, Maryland
- Known for: The Basement Boys, Quantize Recordings and soulful house remixes
- Label: Quantize Recordings, founded 2011; earlier, Code Red Recordings (2004)
- Billboard No.1s: Donna Summer’s Hot Stuff remix (2018) and Barbara Tucker’s Think (About It) on Quantize
- Grammy: nomination for the Louie Vega remix of his production Praying For You
From Baltimore mix tapes to hip-hop
Spen started DJing in Baltimore at around 13, making mix tapes for radio shows and parties. In 1983 he co-founded the hip-hop group Numarx, which opened for LL Cool J and Run-DMC and released Buss It in 1984.
Numarx’s 1988 album Our Time Has Come included their version of Girl You Know It’s True, which Spen co-wrote. Milli Vanilli’s version became a huge worldwide hit.
The Basement Boys
In 1989 Spen joined the Baltimore production team The Basement Boys, whose productions and remixes included work for Paula Abdul, Michael Jackson, Crystal Waters and Ultra Naté. It was the start of more than three decades at the heart of soulful house. With production partner Karizma he also recorded as Deepah Ones, and he later founded the production team Muthafunkaz.
On the radio
Spen has a long radio career too, working at stations including V-103, 92Q, WKYS and Majic 95.9, where he launched the Flashback Saturday Night Dance Party, and later becoming Mix Show Director at V-103.
Quantize Recordings
After launching Code Red Recordings in 2004, Spen founded Quantize Recordings in 2011, where he is president and CEO. Quantize has become one of the most consistent labels in soulful house, with a string of big records:
- Donna Summer’s Hot Stuff, remixed by DJ Spen and Michele Chiavarini, reached No.1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart in 2018.
- Barbara Tucker’s cover of Think (About It) also hit No.1 on the Billboard dance chart.
- Party People with Crystal Waters followed in 2020.
- The Louie Vega remix of his production Praying For You was nominated for a Grammy.
In December 2023 he also released Remix Masterclass, an educational course for producers.
DJ Spen on Steve’s shows
His productions and remixes are regulars on Steve Bell’s DancersHip Mix Show, including his remix of Maysa’s I Don’t Mind with Reelsoul and the Reelsoul & DJ Spen remix of Miracle Worker. Hear them in the February 2024 DancersHip mix and September 2025 DancersHip mix.
Where to start listening
- Billboard No.1: Donna Summer, Hot Stuff (DJ Spen & Michele Chiavarini remix)
- Grammy-nominated: Jasper Street Co., Praying For You (Louie Vega remix)
- Classic collaboration: Crystal Waters, Party People
- Label: anything on Quantize Recordings
Find Quantize releases on Traxsource and Beatport, and read more on the DJ Spen Wikipedia page. DJ Spen is booked through Onit Bookings.
Frequently asked questions about DJ Spen
Who is DJ Spen?
DJ Spen is Sean Spencer, a Baltimore DJ, producer and remixer, a member of The Basement Boys and founder of Quantize Recordings.
When was Quantize Recordings founded?
Quantize Recordings was founded in 2011.
Has DJ Spen had a number one?
Yes. His remix of Donna Summer’s Hot Stuff with Michele Chiavarini hit No.1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart in 2018.
Did DJ Spen write Girl You Know It’s True?
He co-wrote it. His group Numarx recorded it on their 1988 album, and Milli Vanilli’s version became a worldwide hit.
How do I book DJ Spen?
He is represented by Onit Bookings.
Keep listening
Steve Bell plays soulful, deep and vocal house across the UK, Ibiza and beyond. Catch his monthly DancersHip show and live sets, or see the media pack to book Steve for your event.
