Catch The 45 King at the DJ/B-Boy tent this year at Soundset!

Although he’s primarily recognized for his production, he’s also one of the early holders of a Hip Hop Triple Crown–Producer, DJ, & MC…. He is without a doubt one of Hip Hop’s greatest and most versatile producers. Whether you know it or not, If you are a Hip Hop fan from the ‘80s, ‘90s, or ‘00s, I can pretty much guarantee you’ve heard at least one 45 King beat.

His name first started to grace records in the mid/late ‘80’s, with stand outs including a few instrumental records, production for the first Gang Starr singles, and of course his classic Red Alert Goes Berserk radio show promos. Around this same time, he also introduced the world to his crew, The Flavor Unit (Latee, Lakim Shabazz, Apache, Chill Rob G, Lord Alibaski, Double J, Queen Latifah, etc.).

By the time 1990 hit, he was in high demand for production and remixes. A steady stream of classic Hip Hop productions followed with the Flavor Unit, as well as Digital Underground, Eric B & Rakim, Salt N Pepa, MC Lyte, Diamond D, etc. However, he also had the ear and skills behind the boards for crafting classic club tracks, which led to high profile work with Lisa Stansfield, C&C Music Factory, Madonna, David Bowie, and many others.

The mid ‘90s showed a slowed output of work with other artists, but 45 King still produced a seemingly endless amount of instrumental projects.

In ’98, he gave Jay Z his first “Mega Hit” with his production for “Hard Knock Life.” He followed a couple years later with another huge hit, Eminem’s “Stan.” This resurgence, of sorts, also included some indie productions/remixes for Wildchild, Common, Rasco, Craig Mack, Esoteric, etc.

In more recent times, he’s been relatively quiet in regards to releases, but has made a more prominent presence on the internet with his Youtube channel. It was there I was “reminded” of his original skill, being the DJ. His Youtube videos of him rocking the “lil turntables” and the 45 RPM records from which his name is derived are becoming nearly as classic as his productions. On the mix, The 45 King is as quick, precise, and animated as ever, and of course, he has breaks for days.

Several months ago, after rediscovering those videos, I set on a quest to find and book The 45 King to DJ for the B-Boy battle at Soundset. Even with his increased internet actions, it proved a bit of a challenge to make contact. Eventually the connection was made and The 45 King was down to come rock some records, play some beats (as part of our LRB Production Showcase), and check out the Soundset Scene!

For those, like myself, who are hardcore fans of his production style, I hooked up a 79 Minute Mix of pure 45 King material as part of my “Production Credits” series that has been on hiatus since circa the “Hard Knock Life” era. This is Volume One of a three-part 45 King series, soon followed by “The Flavor Unit” (Vol 2) and “Club Trax” (Vol 3).

DJ Nikoless Presents-Production Credits: The 45 KING
Featuring cuts by Plain Ole Bill
-Volume One Download Link (includes 79 Minute Mix, Playlist,
Liner Notes, Art): DOWNLOAD

Soundset RSVP: Facebook | Twitter
After Party RSVP: Facebook

Buy your Soundset Festival & After Party tickets online through Ticketmaster or walk up through Fifth Element in Minneapolis!

Make sure you follow, fan or text “SS2010″ to #66937 for Soundset updates and your chance to win!

Catch The 45 King at the DJ/B-Boy tent this year at Soundset!

Search