Kimberly S. was driving home from karate class when her cell phone rang with the news that she had been chosen Out magazine’s Hot DJ for 2006.

In the overcrowded world of DJing (doesn’t it feel like everyone is a DJ these days?), being honored as number one in the country is quite an accomplishment. Even more impressive is that Kimberly is the first female DJ to win the title.

Kimberly credits her win with “consistency in my sets, discipline, keeping a balance between the artist side and the business side, and always keeping my ego in check.”

It’s been an incredible journey to the top of the DJ ladder. Kimberly began spinning part time nearly 20 years ago. In the beginning, she didn’t take the job as seriously as she does today. A young girl in the so-called prime of her life, Miss. S. just wanted to have fun. But the fun eventually got out of hand and landed Kimberly in AA.

“I can’t imagine doing that now,” she says, referring to her days of wild partying. “There is no way in hell that I would be as successful as I am or be able to maintain the travel schedule that I do. I have seen careers slow down and die from using behind the decks. It’s complete career suicide.”

Kimberly is now 10 years sober (applause, applause!), but still considers herself an alcoholic in recovery. “If I thought I was cured, then I could also tell you a story about a river in Egypt,” she jokes. “The urge to drink left me a long time ago. Hard work, discipline, helping others and truly loving and respecting ‘Kimberly’ is the key.”

She’s found other ways to have fun. Out magazine’s Hot DJ for 2006 is also a martial arts expert. She credits it for making her the DJ she is today.

“[Karate] is not just about kicking and punching,” she insists. “It’s about perseverance, goal setting, self-control and integrity.”

It’s also about discipline, which has been crucial to Kimberly’s success. Unlike most of the other top DJs, Kimberly manages herself. That means, in addition to the music, she handles all business aspects of her career: contracts, travel booking, taxes… a full-time job in itself.

“I work seven days a week,” she says with an exhausted sigh. “But it’s my business, my career, and I want to be the best I can be. I have a great team of publicists and the best booking agent to help with the business as well. It is important to have a competent team behind you.”

It’s also important to find hot tunes. “Every week I acquire new tracks and I’m always looking for that killer cut,” she says. Kimberly’s excited to debut some of her new stuff at Rich’s when she spins San Diego Pride weekend.

“I always love playing Rich’s,” she says. “Pride weekend is going to be one of the best parties ever!”

So what’s next up for this year’s Hot DJ?

“I just released another mix album [One Mighty Party from Centaur], so I’ll be touring CD release parties through the end of this year. I’m also playing more international gigs and some RSVP cruises.

“Basically, I’ll be spinning my ass off all over the place!”

Kimberly S. spins at Rich’s (1051 University Ave., San Diego) Saturday, July 29.