HIP HOP IS 50: A CONVERSATION W/ DJ KING TECH- FROM SF BALLET BREAKERS TO THE WAKE UP SHOW.

When you mention the name King Tech, what comes to mind for most people is him being one half of the esteemed Sway and DJ King Tech of the world-famous Wake Show. This groundbreaking syndicated radio show has been around for almost 30 years and is known all around the world. Countless artists have swung through the doors of that show and got put on the Hip Hop map. The Wake Show has been a standard bearer within Hip Hop and continues to be.

For those within the music industry, many know King Tech as an incredible producer. His most recent projects include working closely with Rza of Wu-Tang to score much of the music for the award-winning ‘Wu-Tang Saga’ Hulu TV series. Those who go back further with King Tech know him from the days when he and Sway were making albums, first under the name Flynamic Force and ALL City, and later under the name Sway and DJ King Tech. Their major label album, ‘Concrete Jungle,’ showed the pair had much promise and were poised to go to great heights, but they switched focus and put a lot of their energy into developing the Wake Up Show.

What many people don’t know about King Tech, who despite being on the radio doesn’t do too many interviews, is that he actually started out as a break dancer. For him, it wasn’t just a passing fad that he occasionally dabbled in, as was the case for many who were first introduced to Hip Hop in the early 1980s. Tech was a force to be reckoned with. He was one of the best in Northern Cali. He went by the name “the Wizard” and was one of the key people in the then-newly formed SF Ballet Breakers.

GET THE REST AT HARDKNOCKRADIO

Views: 54

▶ Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Subscribe to Our E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Hugel
Saturday, Nov 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Bonobo
Saturday, Nov 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Pretty Lights
Thursday-Sunday, Nov 19-21 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Ozomatli
Saturday, Nov. 21 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Connect

Bluesky Instagram TikTok Linktree

Members

Latest Activity

4 discussions started by Editor's Pick were featured
12 hours ago
2 videos by Editor's Pick were featured
17 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted a status
"Welcome True Skoolers, we just revamped the website. Feel free to explore all the features!"
17 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted videos
18 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
22 hours ago
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Outside Lands 2027 at Golden Gate Park, SF

August 6, 2027 from 12pm to 11pm
August 6, 7 and 8, 2027 OUTSIDE LANDSGolden Gate Park San Francisco, CAFriday, August 6 | Show: 12:00pmSaturday, August 7 | Show: 12:00pmSunday, August 8 | Show: 12:00pmThis festival is all ages. Tickets coming soon.>> MORE INFOSee More
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Eric Andre: Subtle at Fox Theater, Oakland

May 19, 2027 from 8pm to 11pm
Wednesday, May 19, 2027 ERIC ANDRE: SUBTLEFox Theater 1807 Telegraph Ave,Oakland, CADoors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pmThis event is 18 and over.>> BUY TICKETSSee More
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Lucky Daye at The Warfield, SF

April 8, 2027 from 8pm to 11pm
Thursday, April 8, 2027 LUCKY DAYEThe Warfield 982 Market Street,San Francisco, CADoors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm>> BUY TICKETSSee More
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Marian Hill at Bimbo's 365 Club, SF

March 1, 2027 from 8pm to 11pm
Monday, March 01, 2027 MARIAN HILLACT TWO: THE TOURBimbo's 365 Club 1025 Columbus Ave,San Francisco, CADoors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pmThis event is 18 and over.>> BUY TICKETSSee More
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Fat Tuesday Celebration With Rebirth Brass Band at The Chapel, SF

February 9, 2027 from 8pm to 11pm
Tuesday, February 9, 2027 FAT TUESDAY CELEBRATION WITH REBIRTH BRASS BANDNOLA Food & Drink Specials + East Bay Brass Band at CurioThe Chapel 777 Valencia Street,San Francisco, CADoors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pmThis event is all ages.>> BUY TICKETSSee More
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Tinashe at Fox Theater, Oakland

May 13, 2027 from 8pm to 11pm
May 13 and 14, 2027 TINASHETHE SHOW MUST GO ONFox Theater 1807 Telegraph Ave,Oakland, CAThursday, May 13 (SOLD OUT)Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pmFriday, May 14 (2nd show added by popular demand)Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pmThis event is all ages.>> BUY TICKETSSee More
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Tower of Power Residency at Yoshi's, Oakland

January 29, 2027 from 8pm to 11pm
January 29, 30 and 31, 2027 TOWER OF POWER RESIDENCYYoshi's 510 Embarcadero West,Oakland, CAFriday and Saturday: Doors 7:30pm | Show 8:00pmSunday: Doors 7:00pm | Show 7:30pm>> BUY TICKETSSee More
yesterday

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service