DJ MLK – King of His Craft
By: Keith Kennedy
Many claim to be the best in their field. But, in order to be the king of your craft you must cover certain criteria. Most importantly, you must be able to expand and dominate surrounding territory, have the respect of your people while possessing the vision and drive to rule for many years. Although DJ MLK shares the initials of a legendary king while providing the sounds for a hip-hop king, he has quickly produced a track record worthy of his crown.
DJ MLK was born Marlon LaTodd King and even though his name denotes royalty, his beginnings were humble. “I’m a country boy from Washington, GA. It’s a small town an hour away from Atlanta. But, growing up there taught me to go get it.” This is a lesson DJ MLK learned well by growing from having his first turntables in 5th grade to quickly becoming the chief party rocker of Washington, GA. Always looking for the next challenge, Atlanta began to beckon DJ MLK.
“In Atlanta, you’ve got to keep yourself very busy,” DJ MLK resigns. To that end, DJ MLK spins at clubs throughout the city including Luckie’s, Seasons, Club Taboo2, Crucial, and Club Miami. But, DJ MLK believes “you always gotta take care of home first” so he travels back to Washington to rock Club 44 and The Block.
In between the numerous club gigs, he manages to colab with Black Bill Gates and DJ Scream along with the Hood Rich family to create a mixtape circuit with units sold numbering in the tens of thousands. DJ MLK recalls, “I’ve done mixtapes with T.I., Young Dro, Young LA, B.o.B, Big Kuntry King, and the whole Grand Hustle camp. In fact, I have a series called “Respect the Hustle.”
Apparently, DJ MLK and Grand Hustle have made some great music together because DJ MLK is the official road DJ for Grand Hustle moving up the ladder to eventually handle the shows for the king himself, T.I. “Thanks to this blessing, I’ve been all over the world and been on TV’s ‘106 & Park,’ ‘BET Rip The Run Way,’ and even Live from Rockefeller Plaza in NYC for New Year’s!” But, DJ MLK is not afraid to do the dirty work either as he posted positions throughout Grand Hustle from handling mixshow promotions to being a member of the street team.
In addition, to this impressive resume, DJ MLK has a grasp on the future as well – digital music promotions. DJ MLK adds, “I also have a digital promo site called ugotwax.com.” This portal has become the industry standard for the posting of breaking music via mp3s as well as videos. But most importantly, the site provides feedback for artists aching for a chance.
When DJ MLK is not busy taking over the game, “I like to be in my hometown smelling the fresh air lounging at a potna’s house kicking it with some DVDs posted at my personal bar. Plus, I cook cuz I like to eat! Or if I’m in the city, I’ll be low key in the cut somewhere.” It seems those days are far and in between as DJ MLK is already gearing up for his next mission. “I’m getting ready to release my album. It’s going to be a compilation album but something that will be different.”
As T.I. once proclaimed, “I call myself the king, I got my reasons.” Now that you’ve experienced DJ MLK’s pedigree the reasons are clear why he will be king of his craft for many years to come.
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For more information about DJ MLK:
MLK@ugotwax.com
www.twitter.com/djmlk
www.myspace.com/mlkng
mlkgrand@vzw.blackberry.net
MLKNG1@GMAIL.COM
MLK@Grandhustle.com
R.I.P. BIG PHIL
-- VIDEO FOOTAGE BELOW From CINCINNATI
