Z-Trip | |
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Z-Trip performing live, December 9, 2009
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Background information | |
Origin | Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
Genres | Hip hop, turntablism, alternative rock |
Occupation(s) | Producer, dj, musician |
Instruments | Turntables, drums, sampler, 808 |
Years active | 1989–present |
Labels |
Quannum Projects Hollywood Records Hard Left |
Associated acts |
LL Cool J Talib Kweli Murs Shepard Fairey Public Enemy Linkin Park Lateef DJ Shadow Jurassic 5 Supernatural Lyrics Born Chester Bennington Aceyalone Mystic Prince Whipper Whip Busdriver MSTRKRFT Galactic Stanton Moore Chali 2na Mr. Lif Gift of Gab DJ Q-bert |
Website | djztrip.com |
Zach Sciacca, better known as Z-Trip, is an American DJ and producer. He is best known as a pioneer of the mashup movement and an award-winning global DJ (he was the 2009 recipient of the "America's Best DJ Award", among others). His skill as a world-class DJ has also afforded him success as a producer, working with artists across different genres including LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Kasabian and Dan the Automator. As of 2012, he has also been featured as hip-hop legend LL Cool J's touring DJ in shows that have been described as so exemplary that the "crowd can barely handle the greatness," and collaborated with the hip-hop star Talib Kweli on the mixtape Attack the Block. In 2012, Z-Trip also launched a new mixer with Rane and Serato called the 62-Z. DJ Z-Trip is unaffiliated with the American ridesharing service Z-Trip.
A Phoenix, Arizona native, he was known early in his career for performing with the Bombshelter DJs (along with fellow DJs Emile and Radar). He became widely known when his collaboration with DJ P, "Uneasy Listening, Vol. 1", was released in 2001. Only 1000 copies were made, but the album was soon distributed over the Internet in MP3 format. Uneasy Listening topped many critics' best album of year lists, including Rolling Stone, Spin, Entertainment Weekly, URB, the Los Angeles Times and New York Times. Since then, he has become well-known worldwide for his sold-out shows and eclectic style, including headlining slots at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and an opening slot for the Rolling Stones, where he performed in front of a 450,000-person audience. He was also a part of Operation MySpace, a concert scheduled for American troops stationed in Kuwait; this show was simulcast on MySpace and the FX cable channel.
His album Shifting Gears marked his major-label debut. Released on Hollywood Records in 2005, the album features guest artists Supernatural, Murs, Lyrics Born, Luke Sick, Aceyalone, Mystic, Prince Whipper Whip, Busdriver, Chester Bennington (from Linkin Park), Chuck D (from Public Enemy) and Soup and Chali 2na (from Jurassic 5). Shifting Gears received both critical and commercial acclaim. Rolling Stone gave the album four stars. It also charted 3 Top Ten Singles, in the U.S. As of August 2006, Z-Trip has left Hollywood Records.