Mix Master Mike is an American turntablist from San Francisco, California. Born Michael Schwartz in 1970, he is known for hip hop and instrumental hip hop turntablism, and is associated with artists and groups including the Beastie Boys, Cypress Hill, Invisibl Skratch Piklz, The Rock Steady Crew, Methods of Mayhem, Country Mike & the Boys, Ekto Plasmik Tag Team, F.M.2.0., Rock Steady DJ's and Dream Team.

Career

He first comes to prominence through live DJ competitions, where he builds a reputation as a skilled battle DJ. He later joins the turntablist group Invisibl Skratch Piklz, which becomes an important part of his career.

After that, he works with the Beastie Boys and contributes to Hello Nasty. He also serves as their DJ, taking over the role after DJ Hurricane, with Doctor Dre having held the position before him. Alongside studio work, he adds cuts, beats and samples to the group’s live performances.

Competition success

Mix Master Mike wins three consecutive world titles in the international DMC turntablism competition. After that run, he and DJ Q-Bert step away from further competition and become DMC judges. His performances at these events help establish his profile in turntablism.

Style and technique

He is known for heavy bass and complex scratch routines. He is often credited with inventing the Tweak Scratch, a technique involving moving the record back and forth while the platter is stopped, creating a slowed and lower-pitched effect. A voicemail appearance on the Beastie Boys track “Three MC’s and one DJ” is cited in support of that claim, with reference to him using a wah-wah pedal on his turntable.

He also develops a reputation for unusual ideas and imagery in his music, including an account of seeing three lights land on a football field and interpreting them as something from another universe.

Solo releases

His solo discography includes the albums Anti-Theft Device, Spin Psycle and Bangzilla. His EP and single releases include Mixmasterpiece: Muzik's Worst Nightmare, Surprize Packidge and Eye of the Cyklops.

Collaborations

In addition to his own releases, he works with other DJs on their projects, including DJ Q-Bert’s Wave Twisters. His wider work places him across hip hop turntablism and related collaborative projects.