Moderated by DJ Skee (Skee TV)
Biography: Young Guru
Revered as “The Sound of New York,” Gimel Keaton, better known as Young Guru, possesses over a decade of experience in sound engineering, production, and A&R for the acclaimed Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. Most recognized for shaping some of the biggest talent in Hip Hop, Young Guru has mixed 10 of Jay-Z’s 11 albums, and has earned himself a number of shout-outs on Jay-Z’s tracks paying homage to his exceptional skills behind the boards. Influenced by early Hip Hop, Rock & Roll, Electro, House and Soul music, Young Guru’s skillset has definitively branded him as a true sound genius and orchestrator.
Known as one of the most notable engineers in the history of Pop and Hip Hop music, Young Guru officially became Jay-Z’s tour DJ in 2010. It is an endeavor well-suited for him, considering his impeccable knowledge of Jay-Z’s discography, and their long-standing personal and professional relationship. A beast on the beats, DJing is just another notch on Guru’s belt. Having toured with rapper, Nonchalant, in 1996, spinning is nothing new for Young Guru. Respected by industry veterans and newcomers alike, in a recent interview with GQ Magazine Drake’s producer and engineer “40” spoke highly of Young Guru, saying that he aspires to attain the level of success Guru has achieved in his career.
2011 proved to be a win for Young Guru as he was seamlessly introduced to the fans that know and love his work. He burst on the scene at Fader Magazine’sFader Fort at SXSW, which is known for showcasing new artists. Later in 2011, he was invited as a guest instructor at The SAE Institute (School of Audio Engineering). Guru has also lectured in Madrid for the Red Bull Music Academy, along with artists such as Erykah Badu, Pearson Sound and Frankie Knuckles. The recorded lecture was distributed through 10 national publications has over 100K views online.
With several cool projects in the works, 2012 is projected to be very exciting for Young Guru. Fans can anticipate a classic mixtape and of course, Jay-Z and Young Guru will be hitting the studio for the creation of Jay-Z’s 12th solo album. With such a successful track record, there is no question why Young Guru is the DJ of choice, the instructor of the creative, and a producer of timeless music.
Biography: DJ Skee
Los Angeles’ DJ Skee, born Scott Keeney, is at the forefront of the DJ industry. He is known for his electrifying high profile performances across the world as well as having an audience base second to none. Along with his celebrated DJ skills, Skee is also producing and remixing the biggest artists and records in the world, hosting the most innovative radio shows on the air, and selling out his own annual car show at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Unequivocally, Skee has mastered and transcended all categories DJs are traditionally classified into (club, radio, or underground). On the air, Skee reaches over 5 million listeners per week, worldwide, via his top rated radio shows on Los Angeles’ Power 106 (the most listened to Top 40 rhythmic station in the country), Sirius Satellite Radio, and also via a syndication deal in Australia, Japan, and all through Europe. In the streets, Skee is internationally famous for producing some of the most successful mixtapes, remixes, and albums with the biggest artists of this generation from Snoop Dogg to Travis Barker, and has won numerous awards and accolades in his field.
With the uncanny ability to walk between worlds, Skee is also recognized as a top music executive and business entrepreneur. From starting off with Loud Records/Sony at 16 years old, to helping launch SRC Records and starting the careers of multi-platinum artists such as Akon and The Game. Currently, Skee is in the process of expanding his own online & mobile lifestyle show, Skee.TV.
