The art of DJ Earl-E comes from a place where style is not only encouraged, but vital. From DJ's plugging into streetlights in the Bronx, to MC's pounding out beats on lunch tables, writer's bombing trains to get their work seen, or dancers creating incredible moves, expression always finds a way. The lifestyle is what we call HIP-HOP, but its roots grow from the the soul. Some of my first memories are from the times my grandpa would play his banjo, with my grandma showing me how to tap the beat on the tambourine. I have always been moved by the music and since my early days, my life has been built on a foundation of sound and rhythm.
As a youth, I made mix-tapes off the radio, and sang in the church choir. I started collecting vinyl, spending my summers flipping records on the home stereo system. I followed my path to the University of Iowa where I was a on-air DJ at KRUI 89.7 FM (1992-95). Breaking the latest hip-hop records on the state's only live hip-hop mix show, "A State of Yo," me and the "Blunt Instramentz" crew of MC Prose, Speakeasi (aka Vega$) and Juggla Vein (aka DJ XXL) helped lay a foundation for hip-hop in the Midwest. Throughout the early 1990's we performed in the Quad Cities, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Des Moines, Omaha, and more, but only managed to record one demo tape. When my crew moved back to their homes in LA, I spent time living in San Diego and Seattle and eventually joined a collective of radio minded people in the operation of ICFR (Iowa City Free Radio).
My love for radio brought me to join the KillRadio collective in 2012, and along with the others from the Inasoulbian Crew, began a 10 year run producing a weekly live radio show called Unseen Legion Radio. Dedicated to hip-hop culture, we conducted interviews with legendary graffiti artists, filmmakers, designers and authors, as well as hosting guest DJs and recording artists who shared their music, experiences, and expertise.
Hip-Hop, Funk, Jazz, Reggae, and Soul Music fill my record crates and my mixing has been heard at legendary venues worldwide, including at First Ave. (Minneapolis), The Whisky a Go-Go (Hollywood), The Temple Bar (Santa Monica), The Beat Oven (Eindhoven, Netherlands) L'Absinthe Bar (Lyon, France), as well as underground spots like The Beat Swap Meet, Project Blowed, and the Church of Mycology in Los Angeles. I have backed up artists including Laurnea, Medusa, Pawz One, Monstroe, Jewelz Da God aka Africanemcee, Tek tha SupahLatin, MC Prose, and performed with the bands Soul Scribes, Rage Area, and Calvin Banks and the Tellers across Southern California.
As a producer, I specialize in crafting epic beats for exceptional MC's, combining classic break beats and samples with innovative turntablism and experimental sounds to create fresh hip-hop with a classic feel. With years of experience in the industry and a passion for the craft, I have built a reputation as a go-to producer for artists who vibe on that boombap sound with a lo-fi aesthetic. Get in touch today to learn more about my talents and unique approach to hip-hop production.
My most recent release is titled "Breaks sur les Pavés" and is a high energy track dedicated to the Breakers featured in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
My solo instrumental solo albums:
Breaka Don (1998)
Environ Mentalz (2003)
Wax Onomatopoeia (2009)
Duke of Earl-E (2017)
S20 E.P.v1 (2021)
Caca Phonous (2024)
Earl-E and Prose- Ep-is-Odes E.P.
Prose- "Life Sentences" album Co-Produced with MC Prose
Pawz One, MC Prose, N.C. Abram- "Get the Message" (single)
Africanemcee feat. El da Sensei- "Murder Onez (Rudeboy Remix)"
Africanemcee feat. Scarub- "Its not the Destination, Its the Journey"
Yedr Rocski- "The Business"
Carpe Diem- "Anymore"
Jess the Facts- "Unseen Legion Radio"
Bin Grim, Jadox, Juggla Vein- "Weak Ideas Irritate My Ears"
Other collaborations include:
Juggla Vein- "Animal Instinct"
Tack-Fu- "Yen and Slang," "Chained Reaction"
Rage Area- Venice Dubtronica E.P.
Soul Scribes- Noisemaking 101.
Since 2017 I have been a member of the Worldwide Fleet DJ's and serve as Program Director for two radio stations on the Fleet Radio Network (West Coast Fleet Radio, Lo Fly Radio).