Declared “an infectious personality†by the Austin Chronicle, DJ Kurupt has already made history as the first Indian-American DJ to mix on an American radio station. His job on Emmis-acquired KDHT HOT 93.3 FM (Austin, TX) puts him in an elite class of mixers from his sister stations Hot 97 (NY; Funkmaster Flex, DJ Clue, etc.) and Power 106 (LA; Felli Fell). Yet even as his profile rises on the national scene with bookings in New York City, Atlanta, Vancouver, Toronto, and Los Angeles scheduled for 2008, Kurupt remains a consistent presence in Austin nightlife, packing the upscale club Red Fez to capacity every Sunday night in the longest running hip-hop event in the city’s history (7 years). First turned on to the turntables as a student at the University of Texas – Austin in 1996, DJ Kurupt brought a creative mind and bold approach to the college party circuit. His energetic fusion of hip-hop and Indian music made him a regular at events held by campus Indian organizations and led him to audiences of 3,000 people at the South Asian Student Alliance conference after-parties in Dallas and Houston. Once established in his first niche market, Kurupt sought to expand his reach by taking on the Friday night show at community radio station 88.7 KAZI from 2000 to 2003. He then added television personality to his resume when he began hosting and assistant producing the Urban Assault weekly hip-hop news and entertainment show for KVR-TV Austin shortly thereafter. In two years of hosting the show, which was honored with the Best VJ Aircheck and Best Video Production awards from College Broadcasters Incorporated, Kurupt interviewed such notable artists as Chuck D, Treach of Naughty By Nature, DJ Kool Herc, Ludacris, Killa Mike, Arrested Development, Bun B of the UGK, and the X-ecutioners. Displaying his versatility, Kurupt racked up these media credits while simultaneously building a solid reputation as a dynamic club and concert DJ with a knack for galvanizing any audience he encounters. The Chronicle observes that when he spins “anywhere between 30 to 40 records within an hour’s set, everything from underground classics to current R&B hits, the best of dancehall reggae, as well as sample sources blended with their hip-hop interpretations, Kurupt energizes his craft.†This kinetic style has served him well everywhere from intimate lounge settings to Jermaine Dupri’s 2004 Super Bowl party in Houston. He has opened for Run-DMC, Ludacris, Game, Snoop, and The Roots, and along with the other Hot 93.3 DJ’s performed at the Hot Winter Meltdown featuring the Ying-Yang Twins, David Banner, Flip, Slim Thug, Ja Rule, Paulwall, Chamillionaire and many more. Currently he keeps busy with four club residencies a week, and HOT 93.3's Rush Hour Rollout, Central Texas' most listened to radio hour. DJ Kurupt’s ability to reach both mainstream and niche audiences while experimenting with distinctive blends and rhythms has brought him success in today’s competitive market. His hunger for innovation and sharp business instincts will continue to make him a favorite with both audiences and promoters. In upcoming years, the multi-faceted Kurupt intends to establish himself as a world-class DJ and producer, with expansion into work as a touring DJ, and host of a major network music television show. A self-described “student of the game,†there will be no stopping DJ Kurupt as he explodes onto the national scene.
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