History
The DJs Who Built LA
Hip-Hop Day LA Editorial
Before LA Hip-Hop became a global industry, DJs built the culture, moving from backyards and roller rinks to clubs, radio, mixtapes, arenas, and the world.
Long before Los Angeles became synonymous with platinum records and West Coast Hip-Hop, the DJ was at the center of the culture.
During the 1970s and early 1980s, mobile DJs and crews built their own sound systems, promoted dances, distributed flyers, discovered records and transformed backyards, recreation centers, roller rinks, clubs and arenas into gathering places for a new generation.
Crews such as Uncle Jamm's Army and the World Class Wreckin' Cru became cultural institutions, while DJs including Egyptian Lover, Chris “The Glove” Taylor, DJ Bobcat, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella and others helped develop a distinctly Los Angeles sound.
Then the radio amplified the movement. 1580 AM KDAY provided a launchpad for Greg Mack and the Mixmasters to help spread DJ culture across Southern California.
From mobile parties to mixtapes, radio and artist tours, DJs didn't simply play records for LA Hip-Hop artists…they helped build it.
