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In Hip-Hop and Reggae (music), the DJ is considered to be the foundation of the culture. As a profession- DJ(ing) is as diverse (if not more*) than any other profession related to music. DJ JFX utilized that philosophy by making his own contribution to the artforms of both Hip Hop and Reggae music. He was introduced to the artform in 84’ and relocated from the Chicago area to Southern California (San Diego*) and started out spinning in the local club-circuit as well as began (freelance) writing for several (Hip Hop) publications internationally.
In 1995 JFX released his first critically acclaimed mixtape “Phatt Blendz & Freestyles” then releasing the follow-up “Phatt Blendz & Freestyles-Volume II”(which was listed as “Top 10 Mixtapes” by UnderGround Sounds Magazine (Detroit, MI.). Also in 95’-96’ JFX hosted the “Major Flavor” radio show at the University of California San Diego as well as a weekly show on WorldBeat Radio (San Diego).
After relocating to the Orange County/Los Angeles area, JFX spun (periodically) on the “Grey Area Radio Show” hosted by Small J at the University of Southern California campus also started the (weekly) “ILL Matta Radio Show” on www.skratchcast.com (Seattle, Wa.). JFX then formed his own (independent) recording label “OverGround Recordings” and released his “Mental Music” instrumental LP. With help from fello-producer Moe Nice (Flipped-Out Entertainment) the “Mental Music” LP (although limited*) it was well received by critics having been reviewed in various publications (international and domestic).
His last testament to the “mixtape genre” was releasing his final tape (*of the 3 part “Phatt Blendz” series): “Blended Elements” which featured exclusively recorded songs w/Afu-Ra (Gangstarr Foundation), Krondon & Self-Scientific, (dancehall reggae superstar) Baby Cham and more.
JFX assisted on the “Fantastic 4” (Hip Hop) radio show (Power 106-Los Angeles) coordinating booking of their guests as well as incorporating the booking of reggae artists knowledgeable of the importance of their inclusion into the show’s format.
Currently, DJ JFX is the (Assistant) Program Director of the “Rootz Revolution Radio” show Sunday’s 6-8pm (Pacific Time*) on 87.9fm and www.streetsradio.com showcasing the hottest new dancehall (and roots*) reggae tracks and exclusive interviews from the genre’s hottest stars (past & present). JFX is also the reggae-buyer at both Fat Beats Records (Los Angeles, Ca.) and sister-store Beats, Vinyl & Life Records (Anaheim, Ca.).
His column “Live From Tha So. Cal” currently runs in the “Connex List” magazine (New York-www.connexlist.com), the “Vinyl Exchange Magazine www.vinylexchange.com (San Francisco, Ca.) and he is also a contributor to Southern California’s most comprehensive (reggae) site www.rudegal.com.
Future projects include the release of his first (self-produced*) 4 song EP (12”) with fello-Chicago native M.C. Tate the Great as well as 12”s (with JFX produced tracks) featuring M.C.’s: Mr. Brady, Faxx (of the 2000 Crows*), Koolwon, Kswiss (of Community Service/Discreet Merchants).
Also JFX plans the production and distribution of his first (feature) film. |
