:The 45 King
{{Short description|American hip hop producer and DJ (1961–2023)}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| image = The 45 King.jpg
| name = The 45 King
| caption = James in 2015
| birth_name = Mark Howard James
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1961|10|16}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/TheReal45King/status/522625376636665856|title=45 King|website=Twitter.com}}
| origin = The Bronx, New York, U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2023|10|19|1961|10|16}}
| death_place = East Orange, New Jersey, U.S.{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/search/name/?death_place=east%20orange,%20new%20jersey,%20usa|title=Advanced Search|website=IMDb.com}}
| genre = Hip hop
| occupation = {{hlist|Record producer|disc jockey}}
| years_active = 1982–2023
| label = {{hlist|45 King Records|Tuff City}}
| past_member_of = Flavor Unit
}}
Mark Howard James (October 16, 1961 – October 19, 2023), professionally known as The 45 King and also known as DJ Mark the 45 King,{{cite web|title=The 45 king addressing his stage name|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGsyuKKlPxU&t=15s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/oGsyuKKlPxU |archive-date=December 13, 2021 |url-status=live|website=The 45 King's official YouTube channel| date=January 31, 2014 }}{{cbignore}} was an American hip hop producer and DJ from The Bronx, New York. He began DJing in the mid-1980s. His pseudonym, the 45 King, came from his ability to make beats using obscure 45 RPM records.
Life and career
In November 1989, the re-release of "The King is Here" / "The 900 Number" peaked at #60 in the UK Singles Chart, his only appearance in a UK chart.{{cite book
| first= David
| last= Roberts
| year= 2006
| title= British Hit Singles & Albums
| edition= 19th
| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited
| location= London
| isbn= 1-904994-10-5
| page= 208}}
In the early 1990s, drug addiction caused him to lose a production deal that he signed with Warner Bros. Records.{{cite news |last1=Ettleson |first1=Robbie |title=The Original Flavor Unit: An Oral History |url=https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2015/08/flavor-unit-oral-history |access-date=27 October 2023 |publisher=Red Bull Music Academy |date=August 6, 2015}}
In July 1990, Manchester-born DJ Chad Jackson sampled "The 900 Number" on his single "Hear the Drummer (Get Wicked)", which reached #3 in the UK Singles Chart.{{cite book
| first= David
| last= Roberts
| year= 2006
| title= British Hit Singles & Albums
| edition= 19th
| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited
| location= London
| isbn= 1-904994-10-5
| page= 273}}
In 1996, Washington, D.C.–based go-go artist DJ Kool had a hit with the song "Let Me Clear My Throat". It was call-and-response vocals over a chopped half of the "900 Number" beat. DJ Kool did not just sample the track: he also acknowledged James as the song's originator.{{cite web|title=D.J. Kool: Let Me Clear My Throat Story| date=April 30, 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZStjpZ5o_l4 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}
In 1998, James produced "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" for Jay-Z. The song was a hit and featured a looped chorus from the original cast album of the Broadway musical Annie. In an interview, Jay-Z spoke on James' importance to hip hop and called him a true pioneer of the business.{{cite news |title=Hip Hop Luminary: DJ Mark The 45 King's Impact On The Culture |url=https://hiphopgoldenage.com/hip-hop-luminary-dj-mark-the-45-kings-impact-on-the-culture/|website=Hiphopgoldenage.com |access-date=October 28, 2023 |date=October 20, 2023}}
Following the success of Hard Knock Life, James heard the Dido song "Thank You" in the 1998 film Sliding Doors. He looped the sample and added a bassline, then sent the result to Interscope Records. The recording was later used for the Eminem song "Stan", as the rapper interpreted Dido's lyrics as being about stalking.{{cite news |last1=Power |first1=Ed |title=The Stan effect: did Eminem's song about a crazed fan just make fans crazier? |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/stan-effect-did-eminems-song-crazed-fan-just-make-fans-crazier/ |access-date=October 22, 2023 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=May 22, 2000}}
James died on October 19, 2023, at the age of 62.{{cite news |last1=Price |first1=Joe |title=DJ Mark the 45 King Reportedly Dead at 62 |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/backwoodsaltar/dj-mark-the-45-king-dead |access-date=19 October 2023 |website=Complex.com |date=19 October 2023}}
Selected production credits
- Chill Rob G – F.U. (Rockin Wit The Best) (featuring Double J, God Lakim, The 45 King) – SpitSLAM Record Label Group, 2022{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/22223302-Chill-Rob-G-Empires-Crumble|title=Chill Rob G – Empires Crumble (2022, CDr)|website=Discogs.com|date=March 4, 2022 }}
- Ghostface Killah – Blood in the Streets (featuring AZ) – Tommy Boy, 2014{{Cite web|url=https://genius.com/Ghostface-killah-blood-on-the-streets-lyrics|title=Ghostface Killah (Ft. AZ) – Blood on the Streets|website=Genius.com}}
- Fatlip – The Bass Line |\| I Got the Shit |\| M.I.A. – Delicious Vinyl, 2005{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/9983355-Fatlip-The-Loneliest-Punk|title=Fatlip – The Loneliest Punk (2017, Cassette) |website=Discogs.com|date=2017 }}
- Diamond D – U Don't Owe Me – Dymond Mine Records, 2005{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/13730348-Diamond-D-The-Diamond-Mine|title=Diamond D – The Diamond Mine (2015, File)|website=Discogs.com|date=January 27, 2015 }}
- King Gordy – Nobody Hates Nothin' - Web Entertainment, 2003{{Cite web|url=https://genius.com/King-gordy-nobody-hates-nothin-lyrics|title=King Gordy – Nobody Hates Nothin'|website=Genius.com}}
- Biz Markie – Turn Back the Hands of Time – Tommy Boy, 2003{{Cite web|url=https://genius.com/Biz-markie-turn-back-the-hands-of-time-lyrics|title=Biz Markie (Ft. Lil' Kal) – Turn Back the Hands of Time|website=Genius.com}}
- Princess Superstar - Bad Babysitter (Remix) - Rapster Records, 2002{{Cite web |title=discogs |website=Discogs |date=2002 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/530767-Princess-Superstar-Bad-Babysitter}}
- Celph Titled – Right Now – Bronx Science Recordings, 2001{{Cite web |title=discogs |website=Discogs |date=2001 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/305159-Celph-Titled-Right-Now}}
- Craig Mack – The Wooden Horse – NY.LA Music, 2001{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/275764-Various-Whats-The-Worst-That-Could-Happen-Soundtrack|title=Various - What's The Worst That Could Happen? Soundtrack | Releases|website=Discogs.com|date=2001 }}
- Dyme – Ladies Are U Wit Me – Interscope Records, 2001{{Cite web|url=https://genius.com/Dyme-ladies-are-u-wit-me-lyrics|title=Dyme – Ladies Are U Wit Me|website=Genius.com}}
- Paula Perry – Y'all Chickens Make Me Laugh – {{Sic|hide=y|Fully|-}}Blown Recordings, 2000
- Chill Rob G – Let Me Know (45 Remix) – Echo International, 2000
- Big Scoob – Can Du – White Label, 2000
- Eminem – Stan – Aftermath/Interscope/Universal, 2000
- Rakim – How I Get Down – Universal Records, 1999
- Common Sense – Car Horn – Groove Attack, 1999
- Peanut Butter Wolf – Run the Line (Remix) – Stones Throw, 1998
- Jay-Z – "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) – Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam/Universal, 1998
- Fanclub Erdberg – Anton Polster Du Bist Leiwand – Mego, 1997
- Bush Babees – The Love Song (King Remix) – Kenar, 1997{{Cite web |title=discogs |website=Discogs |date=1998 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/1331960-Bush-Babees-The-Love-Song-Remixes}}
- Queen Latifah – Name Callin' – Tommy Boy/Warner Bros., 1996
- Maniac Mob – Get Up – Arista, 1995
- C&C Music Factory – Do You Wanna Get Funky? (Remix) – Columbia/SME, 1994
- Ed Lover & Doctor Dré – Who's the Man – Relativity, 1994{{Cite web|url=https://genius.com/Doctor-dre-and-ed-lover-whos-the-man-lyrics|title=Doctor Dre & Ed Lover (Ft. King Just, The Notorious B.I.G. & Todd One) – Who's the Man|website=Genius.com}}
- PMD – Thought I Lost My Spot – RCA/BMG, 1994
- Class A Felony – Hyped Up |\| Hostage |\| Gotta Go, Gotta Go – Polygram, 1993
- Diamond D – Best Kept Secret (Remix) |\| Check 1, 2 – Chemistry/Mercury/PolyGram, 1992
- Apache – Do Fa Self – Tommy Boy/Warner Bros., 1992
- Jaz-O – Sign of the Crimes – EMI America, 1991
- Def Jef – Soul Provider |\| Don't Sleep (Open Your Eyes) – Delicious Vinyl, 1991{{Cite web|url=https://genius.com/Def-jef-dont-sleep-open-your-eyes-theme-for-the-90s-lyrics|title=Def Jef – Don't Sleep (Open Your Eyes) "Theme For The 90's"|website=Genius.com}}
- MC Lyte – Big Bad Sister |\| Kamikaze |\| Like a Virgin |\| Absolutely Positively...Practical Jokes – First Priority Music/Atlantic, 1991{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/1085688-MC-Lyte-Act-Like-You-Know|title=MC Lyte – Act Like You Know (1991, Cassette)|website=Discogs.com|date=1991 }}
- Lisa Stansfield – "All Around the World" (Remix) – Arista/BMG, 1990
- Madonna – "Keep it Together" (Remix) – Sire/Warner Bros., 1990
- David Bowie – "Fame" (90 Remix) [feat. Queen Latifah] – EMI USA, 1990{{Cite web |title=discogs |website=Discogs |date=March 5, 1990 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/190018-David-Bowie-Fame-90}}
- Maestro Fresh Wes – Drop the Needle (Remix) – LMR/RCA Records, 1990
- Lakim Shabazz – Lost Tribe of Shabazz – Tuff City, 1990
- Eric B. & Rakim – "Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em" (Remix) – MCA, 1990
- Digital Underground – Packet Man (Remix) – Tommy Boy/Warner Bros., 1990
- Shelly Thunder - Working Girl (Remix) - Mango, 1990
- Queen Latifah – Come Into My House (Mark 45 King Mix) – Tommy Boy/Warner Bros., 1990
- Markey Fresh – The Mack of Rap – Jive/RCA, 1989
- X-Clan – Heed the Word of the Brother – 4th & B'Way/Island/PolyGram, 1989
- Eric B. & Rakim – "Microphone Fiend" (Remix) – MCA, 1989
- Salt-N-Pepa – My Mic Sounds Nice (Remix) – Next Plateau/London/PolyGram, 1989
- Lord Alibaski – Lyrics in Motion |\| Top Gun – Tuff City, 1989
- King Sun – Fat Tape |\| It's a Heat Up – Zakia/Profile, 1989
- Chill Rob G – Ride the Rhythm– Wild Pitch/EMI, 1989
- Queen Latifah – All Hail the Queen – Tommy Boy/Warner Bros., 1989
- Too Nice – Cold Facts (Remix) – Arista/BMG, 1989
- Double J – Bless the Funk – 4th & B'Way/Island/PolyGram, 1989
- Big Daddy Kane – Set It Off – Cold Chillin', 1988{{Cite web|url=https://www.whosampled.com/Big-Daddy-Kane/Set-It-Off/|title=Set It Off by Big Daddy Kane - Samples, Covers and Remixes |website=Whosampled.com}}
- Chill Rob G – Chillin' – Wild Pitch/EMI, 1988
- Lakim Shabazz – Pure Righteousness – Tuff City, 1988
- Gang Starr – Movin' On |\| Gusto |\| Knowledge – Wild Pitch/EMI, 1988
- Latee – No Tricks |\| Wake Up – Wild Pitch/EMI, 1988
- Gang Starr – Believe Dat! |\| Bust a Move Boy |\| To Be a Champion – Wild Pitch/EMI, 1987
- Latee – This Cut's Got Flavor |\| Puttin' on the Hits – Wild Pitch/EMI, 1987
Discography
- Westbound Beats{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/26553608-The-45-King-Westbound-Beats|title=The 45 King – Westbound Beats (2023, Box Set, Vinyl)|website=Discogs.com|date=March 2023 }} – Westbound Records, 2023
- Back To The Beat Vol. 2{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/913084-K-Def-The-45-King-Back-To-The-Beat-Vol-2|title=K-Def & The 45 King - Back To The Beat Vol. 2 | Releases|website=Discogs.com|date=2015 }} – Redefinition Records, 2015
- Back To The Beat{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/741232-K-Def-The-45-King-Back-To-The-Beat|title=K-Def & The 45 King - Back To The Beat | Releases|website=Discogs.com|date=2014 }} – Redefinition Records, 2014
- Scion A/V Remix Project{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/2334629-45-King-Featuring-Wale-Pase-Rock-4th-Pyramid-Scion-AV-Remix-Project|title=45 King Featuring Wale, Pase Rock, 4th Pyramid – Scion A/V Remix Project (2008, CD) |website=Discogs.com|date=2008 }} – Scion Audio/Visual, 2008
- The Cat Jams{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/release/794972-The-45-King-The-Cat-Jams|title=The 45 King – The Cat Jams (2005, Vinyl)|website=Discogs.com|date=2005 }} – Tuff City, 2005
- Beats of the Month – Bronx Science, 2000/2001 (November, December, January, February, March, April, May volumes of "Lost Breakbeat" style beats)
- Beats for the New Millennium, Vol 1 & 2 – 45 King Records, 2000
- Put the Funk Out There – Rock-A-Fella, 1999
- Universal Beat Generation, Vol 1-3 – Ultimate Dilemma, 1998 (European label "The Lost Breakbeats" re-release)
- Breakapalooza Vol 1 & 2 – Tuff City, 1997
- Champain – Tuff City, 1997
- Beats Don't Fail Me Now (12" Single) – CLR Records, 1997
- Breakamania, Vol 1-3 – Real Tuff Breaks, 1997
- Grooves for a Quiet Storm – Tuff City, 1996
- Killer Beets, Vol 1-3 – Music Station, 1996
- Real Tuff Jazz – Tuff City, 1995
- Zig-a-Ziggin ZZ – Tuff City, 1995
- Straight Outta Da Crate, Vol 1-5 – Tuff City, 1993
- The Lost Breakbeats – 45 King Records, 1993–1996
- 45 Kingdom – Tuff City, 1990
- Rhythmical Madness (with DJ Louie Louie) – Tuff City, 1990
- On A Mission (from "One Voice: Pride") – Ruffhouse, 1990
- The 45 King Presents: The Flavor Unit – Tuff City, 1990{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/210582-The-45-King-Presents-The-Flavor-Unit-The-Flavor-Unit|title=The 45 King Presents The Flavor Unit - The Flavor Unit | Releases|website=Discogs.com|date=1991 }}
- Master of the Game – Tuff City, 1989
- The King is Here (with Markey Fresh) (12" Single) – Tuff City, 1989
- Red, Black, and Green (with Lakim Shabazz) (12" Single) – Tuff City, 1989
- When a Wise Man Speaks/Catching a 'Tude/Rocking With Tony H (12" Single) – Tuff City, 1989
- The 900 Number EP – Tuff City, 1987{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/219788-The-45-King-The-900-Number-EP|title=The 45 King - The 900 Number EP | Releases |website=Discogs.com|date=1991 }}
- Funky Beats '84 – 45 King, 1984
- Just Beats – 45 King, 1987
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20021009224238/http://www.45king.com/index2.html Official website]}}
- {{discogs artist|The 45 King}}
- {{imdb name|3191421}}
- [http://www.unkut.com/2007/07/dj-mark-the-45-king-the-unkut-interview/ The Unkut Interview]
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:45 King, The}}
Category:American hip-hop record producers
Category:East Coast hip-hop musicians
Category:Musicians from the Bronx
Category:Record producers from New York (state)