DJ Earl-E is a hip-hop DJ and producer who specializes in crafting epic beats for exceptional MC's. He combines 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 his craft, Earl-E is the go-to producer for artists who vibe on that boombap sound with a lo-fi aesthetic. Get in touch today to learn more about DJ Earl-E and his unique approach to hip-hop production.
His mixing has been heard at legendary venues across the U.S., rocking sets at First Ave. in Minneapolis, The Viper Room (LA), The Beat Oven, Eindhoven, Netherlands, as well as underground spots like The Beat Swap Meet and Project Blowed in Los Angeles. Hip-Hop, Funk, Jazz, Reggae, and Soul Music fill his record crates. He has backed up artists including Laurnea, Medusa, Pawz One, Monstroe, Jewelz Da God aka Africanemcee, Tek tha SupahLatin, and always with his main man MC Prose.
The art of DJ Earl-E comes from a place where expression 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 foundation is called 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 was moved by the music and since then, my life has had its own soundtrack."
As a youth, he made mix-tapes off the radio, and sang in the church choir. He started collecting vinyl, spending summers flipping records on the home stereo. He followed his path to the University of Iowa where he 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," he 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. With various name changes (Soul Patrol, Transparent Crew, Unseen Legion), they performed in the Quad Cities, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Des Moines, Omaha, and more, but only managed to record one demo tape. When his crew moved back to their homes in LA, he 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). Using a 4-Track recorder and turntables, he recorded his first project, "Breaka Don" released by S.K.A.M.
His solo instrumental solo albums, Breaka Don (1998)
Environ Mentalz (2003)
Wax Onomatopoeia (2009)
Duke of Earl-E (2017)
S20 E.P.v1 (2021)
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.
His love for radio brought him 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, they 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.
DJ Earl-E is a member of the Worldwide Fleet DJ's and is Program Director for two radio stations on the Fleet Radio Network (West Coast Fleet Radio, Lo Fly Radio). His "Amazin Crates Mixshow" can be heard weekly on various on-line networks including Mixshow Radio (Thursdays, Sundays 10pm EST), West Coast Fleet Radio (Fridays 10pm PST), Fleet Boom Radio (Fridays 9pm EST).