DJ Semtex

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DJ Semtex (b. Manchester) is a disc jockey and presenter for BBC 1Xtra digital radio station, presenting the flagship hip-hop shows, the Friday and Saturday Night Mixtapes from 1900-2200 on Friday and Saturday nights.

Semtex began his career in the music industry in 1992, hosting weekly pirate radio shows in Manchester and performing at clubs such as The Hacienda and Home. During this time he also DJd for De la Soul when they performed in Manchester, and hosted Wyclef’s Carnival afterparty in London. He also produced hip-hop mixes for BBC Radio 1’s Trevor Nelson, Tim Westwood, and various deejays on Galaxy FM between 96’ to 98’.

His proficiency at producing and distributing hip-hop mixtapes internationally led to Semtex being commissioned to produce promotional mixtapes for major labels such as Sony, Universal, Loud Records, and Def Jam.

After completing his degree at Manchester Metropolitan University, Semtex moved to London, and was employed by Sony Music to set up their Street Team in 1998.

Moving to London helped Semtex to become one of the UK’s premier hip-hop deejays and in subsequent years he helped organising a Lauryn Hill after party, DJd on the MTV float at Notting Hill Carnival, and opened shows for Dead Prez, Wyclef, Mos Def, and Pharoahe Monch amongst others.

In 2001, Semtex established the Urban department for Def Jam UK, and joined BBC Radio 1Xtra, the UK’s first national black music station as a hip-hop DJ. On behalf of the station he has broadcast shows live from New York, Miami, Philadelphia, Puerto Rico, backstage at Live8 and the Bahamas. Past guests on his show have included; 50 Cent, Kanye West, The Game, P.Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Dizzee Rascal, Nas, LL Cool J, Lil’ Jon, The Streets, Kano, Ludacris, Ja Rule, Wu-Tang Clan, Sway, Roots Manuva and others.

In 2003 Semtex became an A&R official at Def Jam UK. His first signing was Fatman Scoop, whose debut single, Be Faithful, hit the No.1 in the UK charts and around Europe.

Semtex continues to DJ at high profile engagements such as the Phat Farm UMF party for Russell Simmons, Kanye West's UK tour, DMX, Nas, and Nelly on their UK tours and is also Dizzee Rascal's official tour DJ. Semtex also provided the scratches on Dizzee Rascal's track, Stand up Tall and co-produced the Piece Keeper mix CD series with Dizzee.

His latest release is called Grime Wave.