MeLo-X is a staple of New York nightlife, a Brooklyn-born musical savant. One of the city’s most exciting new jacks, he’s a promoter, producer, DJ, MC and photographer. Earlier this year MeLo-X supported fellow up-and-coming creative rap star Theophilus London with his twisted soul and hip hop DJ sets, but unleashes his debut London live show on June 20th as part of the Summer Bubblers party at Cargo. Check the mixtape “Mustafa’s Renaissance” for proof of his smooth raps and future, yet dusty productions.

Dazed Digital: What got you into making music and DJing in the first place?
MeLo-X: First came my love for poetry and I started getting into music and understanding music and I began to write my own raps. This was about seven years old. After that my love for music grew and i wanted to learn all aspects, from DJing to sound engineering. So I’ve been MCing for the past 16 years and DJing and producing for about 6 years.

DD: What other artists are you inspired by?
MeLo-X: I’m deeply inspired by J Dilla and his whole catalog. I love Rich Medina. I love new music from up-and coming-artists like Theophilus London and Nikki NTU. As far as art and film, I love Mario Sorrenti's photography as well as Tone and Texas from The NEW POP. I love the new directors popping up like Atif Ateeq and bbgun.
     
DD: Can you talk about your work with Machinedrum, the tracks I’ve heard are amazing.
MeLo-X: Me and Machinedrum met through our mutual friend Theophilus London. Once I heard the beat for “Let It” I told him it had to be mine. It is such a powerful track and a good summer record. You can expect some more music from us next year and some great remixes of “Let It” being released real soon. Also Machinedrum’s album “Want to 1 2?” is available now on iTunes.

DD: What’s your favourite party in New York right now?
MeLo-X: I hate to be selfish but my party is my favourite right now. It's called Electric Punanny and it’s the flyest, most energetic party around. It's now going on one year strong, every last Monday of the month. We basically mix up-tempo dance, B-more and electro with reggae, dancehall and soca all night. It's like a battle on the dance floor. You got the dancehall dancers tearing up the floor with the newest moves they learned in the Pasa Pasa videos and you have the other dudes and girls Vogueing and dancing their ass off. It’s a great blend of the cultures and a true mirror of the present day NYC.

DD: What are you looking forward to it London?
MeLo-X: The energy. When I first went there and felt the energy it was amazing. I can’t wait to see my fans out there again and meet new ones. I’m also looking forward to the beautiful women that I saw walking the streets looking for a party to go to. The styles were different and the culture was colorful and vibrant. I can’t wait to touch down and tear that stage up at Cargo.

MeLo-X’s Top 5
1. Mos Def “Casa Bey”
2. Depeche Mode “Peace”
3. Daeneo “Party Hard”
4. Mr. Beatnick and Ahu “I know all the Bitches (Bullion Remix)”
5. Nite Jewel “What did he say”

MeLo-X plays his debut live UK gig on June 20th at Cargo for Summer Bubblers alongside Rox, Seiji, Midnight Rockers Express and Lixo.