Veteran turntablist DJ Hihats has been a pillar of Alexandra’s hip hop scene, preserving culture while building platforms for local talent.

Hihats said, “My musical journey started with a deep love for hip hop culture. Long before I became a DJ, I was actively involved in the local hip hop scene as a member of a hip hop group called Homebase Crew. Because of my technical understanding of music, sound systems, and equipment, it was only natural that I became the crew’s DJ.

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“What started as a passion quickly became a lifestyle and a lifelong commitment to hip hop culture.”

With DJ RuggedRocka, he formed The Beatmechanixz. “The Beatmechanixz was born from a shared vision. We both live and breathe hip hop. Today, The Beatmechanixz is more than just a DJ duo; it’s a movement dedicated to keeping the essence of hip hop alive while creating opportunities for emerging artists.”

Hihats founded The Mixtape on Alex FM 89.1 and streams events on #MyNeighborhoodTV. “Representing Alexandra through music and media has always been something I take great pride in. Alexandra has always been a hub of talent, creativity, and resilience. The people here have a deep appreciation for authentic music and genuine storytelling. Their support, feedback, and energy have played a major role in shaping my sound.”

Proudly calling himself a turntablist, Hihats roots his style in boom bap and classic hip hop. “When building a set, I like taking people on a journey rather than simply playing tracks. I gradually build the energy through careful song selection, creative transitions, scratching, crowd interaction, and reading the mood of the room.”

He praised his partner, saying, “RuggedRocka and I have different strengths that fit together perfectly. There’s a level of trust and chemistry that comes from years of working together.”

Challenges persist in the scene, but Hihats stays proactive. “I’ve overcome these challenges by staying consistent and creating our own opportunities through platforms like Dark City Sessions.”

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For him, Dark City Sessions is personal. “It’s a movement. It gives artists, DJs, producers, dancers, and fans a space to connect, collaborate, and celebrate hip hop culture.”

The recent Hip Hop Stokvel edition showcased unity. “It demonstrated the power of collaboration. Seeing artists, DJs, promoters, and supporters all contributing to the same vision was inspiring.”

Plans include workshops, documenting local history, and a pay-per-view platform. “The goal remains simple: keep the culture alive, create opportunities, empower artists, and ensure that the next generation has a platform to shine.”

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