Source: Best of The Midwest / Radio One

Not All Of Hip Hop’s DJs Are From NY

As we continue to recognize key people and historic moments throughout Hip Hop History Month, today we’ll examine influential DJs from the Midwest.

DJs have always played an important role in music culture. Known as disc jockeys, they’re the ones tasked with the responsibility of keeping the mood up and the party going. They also have to understand the temperament of the crowd. They must be able to deliver music that caters to their style, market, and mood.

While many of hip-hop’s famous DJs hail from New York, there are plenty in the Midwest that deserve our recognition.

DJ Drama

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Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is DJ Drama. His voice can be heard on countless radio stations, mixtapes, and rap albums. DJ Drama became a household name in the early 2000s following the success of his Gangsta Grillz mixtape series.

DJ Jazzy Jeff

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Another Philadelphian, DJ Jazzy Jeff is best known for being Will Smith’s sidekick on the original Fresh Prince of Bel-Air TV show that aired in the 90s. The turntablist, producer, and actor has six solo albums and three mixtapes credited to his name.

DJ Cochise

Source: @djcochise via Instagram / R1

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, DJ Cochise has more than 20 underground hip-hop mixtapes to his name.

DJ BJ3525

Source: djbj3525 via Instagram / R1

From Detroit, Michigan, DJ BJ3525 has been extremely influential in breaking Detroit artists over the last decade. With ties to rappers like Tee Grizzley, Dej Loaf, Doughboyz Cashout, Babyface Ray, Peezy, and more, DJ BJ2525 is certainly an influential DJ from the Midwest.

DJ Pharris

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DJ Pharris, from Chicago, may be best known for his DJ drop, “THIS CHICAGO *****”. He also co-produced Kanye West’s Fade and Future’s Parachute from his debut album Pluto.

DJ Steph Floss

Source: DJ Steph Floss / R1

DJ Steph Floss has held down hip hop in and around Cleveland, Ohio for years. His repertoire combines recognizing today’s hottest music, seamlessly blending genres, and breaking the newest hit records. The likes of The NBA, The NFL, United Way, Sprite, Nike, Rolls Royce, Adidas, Mountain Dew, Hennessy and Beats By Dre, to name a few, have all enlisted ‘The Prince of City’ to take their events to the next level.

DJ Kut

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DJ Cut is a pioneering DJ from St. Louis, Missouri. He was the official tour DJ of Nelly and the St. Lunatics at their height.

DJ Ryan Wolf

Source: DJ Ryan Wolf / R1

Ryan Gullatt, known as DJ Ryan Wolf, hails from Cleveland and is the official DJ for the Cleveland Browns. Outside of music, he’s the concept creator of the world-famous The Haunted House Restaurant in Cleveland Heights. He also co-founded Wolfie White Gel Polish, and is developing a tech app to connect artists and DJs more efficiently.