Some bopped their heads with a smile, others swayed rhythmically side to side, while a handful of students expressed themselves through choreographed dance moves well suited for the beat.

SF State’s Black Student Union (BSU) ended Welcome Back Week with its very own DJ Nyce spinning house and hip-hop music, during the “Kick Back Social” at the Caesar Chavez Student Center’s Jack Adams Hall on Friday evening.

SF State Business Administration junior, Jonathan Arthurs, also known as DJ Nyce, is a disc jockey making a household name on and off campus through the mixture of popular hip hop and soulful reggae, creating an eccentric, trance of hyphy beats and flowing mixes.

“I try to keep [the music] as diverse as the crowd is,” said Arthurs of the clubs in San Francisco.

While spinning, Arthurs says he gets an overwhelming rush through his body while controlling the music produced underneath his fingertips.

“It’s just like flying a jet or a plane, it’s crazy!” said Arthurs. “It’s like multitasking to the hundredth degree.”

The thrill and excitement of being behind turntables for Arthurs began when he was 12 years old. Arthurs was immediately influenced by DJs like his mentor, DJ Marc X, while passing neighborhood record stores in his hometown of Los Angeles.

When DJ Marc X observed Arthurs' talent, he bestowed the name DJ Nyce in reflection of his personality and style.

With his new identity, Arthurs entered college at SF State in 2004, joining the BSU with hopes to share and develop his talent through activities on campus.

Senior Erin Haywood, 21, treasurer of BSU and a close friend to Arthurs admires him as a musically flexible DJ and a gracious person.

“He’s done so many things, too many times for BSU such as devoting his time to DJ at our events for free,” said Haywood. “He has the biggest heart.”

Besides being a member of BSU, Arthurs is part of Caesar Chavez technical services where he works alongside other performers, artists and DJs on events at the Malcom X Plaza.

Outside of school, Arthurs teams up with another DJ, also known as DJ Doc or Delvin, and event promoters to form indie record label Tycoon Status Entertainment.

Aside from playing once a month at The Depot located on the lower level of the Student center and DJing many BSU events, Arthurs spins weekly on “Freestyle Thursdays” at San Francisco’s Skylark Bar, where he is named a resident DJ.

In addition, he also holds down monthly slots at local nightclubs such as Loft 11 and Suite 181.

Arthurs is inspired by hip-hop icons such as DJ Z-Trip and DJ Scratch, acknowledged as one of the best DJs of all time who joined forces with prominent artists such as Jay-Z and Jam Master Jay (JMJ) of Run DMC.

With these highly accomplished influences, Arthurs motivation sets him on a road to dreaming big by gaining respect and support from other DJs, family, friends and fans.

“I want to become the best DJ in the world,” said Arthurs. “Music is something I really enjoy and have a lot of passion for.”