Hip hop has managed to confound its detractors as, after
over two decades, it shows no signs of slowing down. Though there have
been many icons who have emerged from the scene and achieved global status
only to fade into obscurity, there are those who have garnered a loyal
underground following, in addition to enjoying popular success, and have
ensured their names live on within the hip-hop pantheon. One such hip-hop
protagonist is Mark Luv, a turntable veteran of 20 years. Though only
in his early 30s, the Los Angeles native has trounced all would-be contenders
who have challenged him for supremacy on the decks.
The talented DJ has traveled the globe touring with the
likes of the Pharcyde, KRS-One, Chino XL and Dred Scott, where he has
consistently proved his mettle as an inventive, talented DJ.
With his diverse talents, Mark has also become a club
mainstay in Los Angeles, spinning at many of the city's seminal hip-hop
nightspots. His residency credentials are impressive with stints at Unity,
Jamaica House, Glam Slam, the club formerly owned by Prince, Atlas, Century
Club, Project Blowed, and Jamaican Gold. In addition to his residencies,
he has graced the turntables of Urban Phenomenon, Hollywood Live, The
Palace, Paradise 24, the Arena, and the Palladium during its heyday. He
was a featured DJ at all three Cypress Hill Smoke Out events as well as
having played an unforgettable hip-hop set at the Nocturnal Wonderland
in 1999. Most recently, he took the stage at Audiotistic, the Cypress
Hill 4-20 concerts, and the Dragon Festival. Aside from being a legend
in the underground scene, DJ Mark Luv has also graced the turntables at
high profile events such as the Soul Train Awards after party, the Spider-Man
Premier Party, Higher Learning Wrap Party and Premier Party, and ALMA
Awards after party. Birthday parties for celebrities such as Will Smith,
Wesley Snipes, Regina King, John Singleton, and Warren G.
On record, Mark's precision cutting and scratching have
been forever immortalized on tracks by the Pharcyde, The Liks, Me'Shelle
NdegeOcello, Spearhead (a Wyclef remix for their hit single, "Hole
in the Bucket"), Dred Scott, Chino XL, Ras Kass, the Anonymous, and
Western HemisFear.
Mark is also omnipresent on the airwaves through DJing
on LA urban radio. He has been heard regularly on 100.3 The Beat. From
1996 through to '97, he headed up the mix for Michael Mixin' Moore's "Militant
Midnight Mix". He also obtained his own mix show on Flava in Ya Ear
with DJ Don and the Poetess. Mark was an integral part of Soul Assassins
radio with Cypress Hill and DJ Babu and DJ Rhettmatic, as well as Saturday
Night Mix with Eric Cubiche.
This turntable legend has been featured in many publications
worldwide. He's graced the pages of Rap Sheet, Rap Pages, URB Magazine,
ClubLife, DJ Magazine, The Source, Import Tuner, Industry Insider and
the list goes on.
DJ Mark Luv has also appeared on various television broadcasts.
He was a featured DJ on Yo!MTV Raps, BET's Rap City, Nickelodeon's Cousin
Skeeter, Nickelodeon's All That, and others.
Through his knowledge and experience, Mark has been the
promotion manager for record stores such as Fat Beats and currently Stacks,
The Vinyl Authority, owned by SDJ Icy Ice (Beat Junkies). His connections
have allowed him to bring guests such as Cypress Hill, Souls of Mischief,
Beat Nuts, and DJ Q-Bert to the stores.
Mark's passion for hip hop runs deep. He is aligned with
one of the most respected collectives within the hip hop ethos, Zulu nation.
Mark has been a member of the Mighty Zulu Nation since 1991. He was first
enlisted in the Zulu Warrior Security by Zulu Ed and Zulu Kevin, and was
eventually made a full-fledged member by the legendary Africa Islam of
Rhythm Syndicate fame. Mark has since attained the level of Zulu King.
In addition to becoming a Zulu King, he currently heads up the Los Angeles
chapter of the infamous Zulu Nation.
Bio