Still Cutting Nice: Brian Payne Keeps Lansing’s Musical Legacy Spinning

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From childhood vinyl records to stages shared with hip-hop legends, DJ Cutt Nice reflects on nearly four decades of music, perseverance, mentorship and the art of the turntable.

Courtesy Photo: Brian “DJ Cutt Nice” Payne poses with his mixer reflecting his love for hip-hop and the craft of mixing.

LANSING, Mich. — Long before Brian Payne became known throughout Michigan as DJ Cutt Nice, he was a little boy standing on a milk crate, spinning records at family gatherings in Lansing. At just two years old, he was already discovering the magic of music, playing records his father marked so he could identify them before he could read. What began as childhood curiosity grew into a passion that would eventually take him from basement parties to stages alongside nationally recognized entertainers. Nearly four decades later, Payne is still behind the turntables, preserving the sounds of hip-hop and R&B while creating new memories for audiences across generations.

The Lansing native recently returned to The Sunday Chronicle for a conversation with publisher and host Yanice Y. Carter about his career, his growth as an entertainer and the confidence that comes with experience. Featured in Episode 130, which aired October 31, 2026, Payne joined a program that also welcomed comedian Mike Goodwin. The appearance marked another chapter in a relationship with The Chronicle News that stretches back through years of interviews, community features and recognition of his contributions to local culture. For Payne, the music has never stopped, and neither has his determination to keep growing.

1. The Final Set tribute-Brian “DJ Cutt Nice” Payne performs at The Final Set in memory of his cousin and mentor, Brandon “DJ Crazy Caz.” 2. F.T.H. Mixshow-Promotional artwork for DJ Cutt Nice’s F.T.H. Mixshow, “The Lab Experiment,” brings his musical chemistry to life. 3. With DJ Jazzy Jef—Brian “DJ Cutt Nice” Payne, left, with DJ Jazzy Jeff, one of his longtime favorite DJs and an inspiration for his own work behind the turntables.

From a Milk Crate to a Musical Calling

Payne’s love affair with vinyl began long before he understood the business of entertainment. By age eight, he had started collecting albums, with the debut release from The Fat Boys becoming the foundation of a collection that would eventually grow beyond 8,000 records. Inspired by turntable pioneers including DJ Jazzy Jeff, he began seriously developing his skills after receiving his first set of turntables in 1987. By the early 1990s, he was performing throughout the Midwest, building a reputation for creative scratching, smooth transitions and a deep appreciation for classic music.

His childhood fascination eventually became a business when he established F.T.H. Entertainment, short for Feel the Hunger, in 2003. The company provided an opportunity to turn his musical abilities into a professional enterprise while maintaining the authenticity that had defined his early experiences. Over the years, Payne has shared stages with artists including Kurtis Blow, Chamillionaire, Fabolous, Twista, Kid Capri, Petey Pablo, Mase, Ginuwine and Freeway. His career also included a featured DJ role on ScratchVision Radio from 2017 through 2020, further extending his reach beyond Michigan.

Confidence, Experience and the Art of Getting Better

During his latest Sunday Chronicle interview, Yanice asked Payne how his abilities and confidence had evolved over the years. His answer reflected the perspective of an entertainer who understands that mastering a craft requires more than technical skill. “You got to have confidence in everything that you do,” Payne explained. He acknowledged that his confidence was not always as strong as it is today, particularly when he was first establishing himself as a DJ. Payne credited years of practice, encouragement from fellow entertainers and advice from respected DJs with helping him become more comfortable behind the turntables. He described the importance of listening to experienced performers and allowing their guidance to strengthen his own abilities. That willingness to learn helped him develop the confidence necessary to grow professionally and creatively. “That’s what made me even a better DJ,” he said.

Courtesy Photo: Brian “DJ Cutt Nice” Payne poses with his DJ equipment and vintage boomboxes, reflecting his love for hip-hop and the craft of mixing.

DJ Cutt Nice estimates that he has spent approximately 36 years developing and practicing his craft. He also shared that his professional schedule has remained exceptionally busy, with performances at weddings, birthdays, retirement celebrations and other gatherings. Some of those engagements have taken him beyond Lansing, allowing him to bring his signature sound to audiences in different communities. His continued demand reflects a career that has adapted to changing audiences while remaining rooted in the traditions that shaped him.

The 45 Advocate: Keeping Vinyl Culture Alive

In an era dominated by digital playlists and streaming services, Payne remains committed to the artistry of traditional turntables and vinyl records. Known as “The 45 Advocate,” he celebrates the history, craftsmanship and distinctive sound associated with physical recordings. His performances incorporate the techniques of classic DJ culture, including scratching, blending and selecting records that connect listeners with familiar musical memories. For Payne, preserving those traditions is an important part of honoring the artists and DJs who helped establish hip-hop as a cultural force.

His dedication to vinyl is complemented by another nickname, “The Closer,” a reference to his signature slow-jam finales. Whether performing at clubs, weddings, community gatherings or events such as Stone Groove Sundays at The Exchange in Lansing, he approaches music as a way to create shared experiences. His sets draw from classic hip-hop and R&B while incorporating the energy necessary to keep audiences engaged. The result is an approach that connects generations through songs that continue to resonate long after their original release.

Perseverance Through Changing Times

Payne’s professional journey has not been without challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when restrictions disrupted the entertainment industry. As traditional gatherings and live performances became limited, he adapted by presenting virtual DJ sets and online parties that allowed audiences to continue enjoying music from home. The Chronicle News documented that transition in its July 2022 small business spotlight, highlighting his ability to remain active during an uncertain period. His willingness to embrace technology demonstrated that preserving musical traditions does not mean resisting change.

That adaptability continues to define his approach to the entertainment business. While digital platforms have transformed how audiences discover and experience music, Payne has maintained his commitment to the techniques and sounds that distinguish his performances. His ability to balance established traditions with new opportunities has helped sustain a career through changing musical trends and economic conditions. For aspiring entertainers, his journey illustrates the importance of persistence, preparation and a willingness to evolve.

Honoring the Legacy of DJ Crazy Caz

Payne’s story is also connected to the broader history of Lansing’s DJ community and the entertainers who helped shape its musical identity. Among those figures was the late Brandon “DJ Crazy Caz” Henderson, whose influence extended through performances, mentorship and relationships within the city’s entertainment scene. Henderson’s passing in 2025 prompted tributes celebrating his contributions to Lansing’s musical culture and the people whose lives he touched. The Chronicle News documented his legacy in two memorial features, recognizing the lasting significance of his work.

Courtesy Photo: DJ Cutt Nice and DJ Crazy Caz

For Payne, whose musical journey includes family connections and shared traditions within the DJ community, that history provides an important backdrop to his own career. His continued dedication to turntable artistry reflects a broader commitment to preserving the cultural foundations established by earlier generations of performers. The relationship between music, mentorship and community remains central to understanding the legacy of Lansing’s DJs. As newer entertainers discover their own creative identities, the stories of artists such as Crazy Caz and Cutt Nice help preserve the history of those who came before them.

Inspiring the Next Generation Through Chronicle Kids

Payne’s contributions extend beyond performances and the entertainment industry. His career has also become an example of the creative possibilities available to young people who discover and develop their talents. The Chronicle News previously announced his inclusion in the I Know I Can: A Chronicle Kids Community Coloring Book, an initiative designed to introduce children to inspiring individuals from their own communities. The project highlights careers, leadership and creativity while encouraging children to imagine what they might accomplish.

Featuring Payne in the publication recognizes the value of music as both an artistic profession and a means of cultural expression. His journey from a young child fascinated by records to an established professional offers a relatable example of how early interests can develop into meaningful careers. It also demonstrates the importance of community representation, particularly when children can see successful individuals whose beginnings resemble their own. Through initiatives such as Chronicle Kids, stories like Payne’s become opportunities to encourage curiosity, creativity and confidence in future generations.

Still Cutting Nice

For Payne, the passage of time has not diminished his enthusiasm for the music that first captured his imagination. His career reflects the determination of a young boy who discovered something he loved and continued developing that passion through years of practice and experience. From vinyl collections and local celebrations to performances alongside nationally recognized artists, his journey represents a commitment to craftsmanship and personal growth. His latest Sunday Chronicle appearance offers listeners another opportunity to hear directly from an entertainer whose story remains closely connected to Lansing’s cultural history.

As the conversation with Carter demonstrated, Payne understands that longevity in entertainment requires confidence, adaptability and respect for the people who help shape an artist’s journey. His reflections offer lessons that extend beyond music, reminding listeners that professional growth often comes through persistence, encouragement and the willingness to keep learning. After decades behind the turntables, he continues to perform, travel and share the sounds that have defined his career. The records are still spinning, the music is still connecting generations, and Brian “DJ Cutt Nice” Payne is still cutting nice.