BEATJUNKIE 314

Music has been a love of Germaine Bennett’s long before the Roland DR-50 and the Gemini sampler that helped hone the skills of one of the most sought after hip-hop producers in the STL. It is this passion that has brought him from the suburbs of north St. Louis County to the forefront of the metropolitan area. Behind the influences of his first drum set, and an already musical family, a great mind was formed. In fact, Germaine, affectionately known as Maino in St. Louis’ underground music scene, still remembers one of his first interactions with this genre, making beats with his long-time friend and now famous producer Shamar “Sham” Daugherty of the Track Starz. During his years at Hazelwood East High School, Maino played snares for the drum line and participated in his first of four DCI camps in his senior year. On a whelm, Maino began deejaying parties for his friends. As his popularity grew, he became the DJ of choice for the hottest parties. Shortly after his graduation from high school in 1995, he befriended the members of the group that would come to be known as KTC—Konfusion to Creation. He, along with Nato Caliph, Phact, and Cin, performed at various venues, including Washington University (St. Louis) and Bradley University. Crowds were please to be treated to a conscience, yet edgy side of hip-hop that was previously heard very little. In 1998, Maino’s travels took him to the University of Memphis where he majored in Recording Technology. While there, he rubbed shoulders with Memphis DJs Nappy and Devin Steele as he continued to perfect his own skills and began producing for some of Memphis’ local artists. Upon his return to the Lou in 2002, he continues to work on Nato Caliph’s solo album, and currently teaches the drum line at McCluer North high school.I edited my profile with Thomas Myspace Editor V4.4 (www.strikefile.com/myspace)