By Chris Rockwell

I’ve wanted to showcase a DJ for a while. But I was waiting to discover a group of artists that made up a complete music scene worth talking about. Like usual, I unexpectedly stumbled upon it one night. I was in North Hollywood hanging out at Jim Mahfood’s place. We were lounging, checking out his latest art work and listening to his vinyl collection of old school hip hop. As I was leaving, Jim gave me a CD to listen to for my trip back up to northern California.

I dropped it in and rolled down Sunset Strip not knowing what to expect. What I heard was this trippy mash up of rock, old school hip hop and scratching that blended into a sound that caught my attention. It turned out to be his brother DJ Mahf of St. Louis. So, I started to explore this scene and discovered that St. Louis hip hop has its own special blend of people and influences that translates into a unique interpretation of music and lifestyle. There is some sick talent coming out of this town and I want to introduce the King Duce family to some of the names that make up the latest hip hop scene in St. Louis.

DJ Mahf is easy to like. He’s got this cool, positive personality that makes him the guy everyone wants to chill with on stage and off. But he is respected by the artistic community for his progressive interpretations and complete commitment to the art form. His bold approach has awarded him “Best Hip Hop DJ”. And his group, “Earthworms” was locally crowned “Best Hip Hop Artist/Group”. They are releasing a new album and DVD, “Midnight at the Capricorn”. And if that wasn’t enough on his plate, DJ Mahf is also working on a full length album and summer tour with breakthrough artist “Steddy P”. So step outside your city walls and explore this scene and let me know what you think. St. Louis has provided me with some new friends and influences. And that’s what it’s all about.

Duce up!!