DJ MK is one of the UK\u2019s leading Hip Hop DJ\u2019s. He has been a favourite on the club scene for the last 10 years, displaying his turntable dexterity up and down the UK and throughout Europe, Australia and the United States. <\/strong><\/p>\n

He was the first UK DJ to release regular, well-packaged Hip Hop mixtapes at a time when no other DJ was doing so. These mix apes earned him his props and a slot on the Capital Radio’s Rap show with Tim Westwood from \u201993\u2013\u201995.<\/p>\n

MK continues to tour the world DJing for Roots Manuva and Dizzee Rascal and is a member of the powerhouse DJ crew Extended Players, alongside Shortee Blitz, Mr Thing and Harry Love. He also promotes a night called \u2018Gullyver\u2019 at Plastic People with Acyde (TMI), one of London\u2019s hottest monthly Hip Hop nights.<\/p>\n

Where did it all start for DJ MK? <\/strong>
\nI got into Hip Hop, by hearing certain records that would chart such as “Buffalo Girls” Doug E Fresh’s “The Show”, Chaka Khan “I Feel For You” etc. At that time it was something new and with scratching I had never seen that before in my life and that amazed me.<\/p>\n

Describe growing up in London during the 80’s with the political and social landscape at the time. It really seemed like it was a golden era for the UK Hip Hop scene at the time then suddenly dropped off why did you think that happened? <\/strong>
\nThe political and social landscape was different from what it is now. For example as a white Irish kid growing up in NW London, me listening to Hip Hop wasn’t the norm. The West End clubs were straight up racist, hence the boom of the warehouse parties at the time. I think then, there was more freedom, as in if you wanted to do a rave in a field for 10,000 people you could….now its different not better, not worse.<\/p>\n

You were one of the co-founders of the legendary record store Deal Real which became an institution in London for the Hip Hop scene. Did you see a lot of upcoming artists\/DJ’s coming through the doors?<\/strong>
\nYeah no doubt I remember meeting artists like Nas when he was 21, asking me where he can buy blunts, Big L, Method Man, OC, Beatnuts, Q-Bert, Sadat X the list goes on and on.<\/p>\n

During this time you were renowned for your mixtapes what made yours stand out from the rest?<\/strong>
\nSkills and exclusives<\/p>\n

What are your thoughts on the current mixtape scene?<\/strong>
\nThere is no scene really. I think if you want to check out the best mixes online you should go to www.mixcloud.com<\/p>\n

What is your favourite mixtape and why<\/strong>?
\nMy favorite mixtape I have ever done is DJ MK Vol. 9 “Your A Customer” just because of the tracks that were out at the time on this tape were craaaazy. Having a promo of Group Home’s “Supa Star” knowing that the only other person who is gonna have it is Westwood. Vol 9’s got a good combo of new music and breaks!<\/p>\n