45 King

DJ Mark the 45 King, born Mark Howard James, was a pioneering hip-hop producer and DJ best known for his knack for crafting infectious breakbeats and sample-heavy instrumentals. He burst onto the scene in the late 1980s as part of the Flavor Unit crew and became widely known for his iconic track “The 900 Number,” which featured a catchy saxophone loop that became a staple in DJ sets and dance battles. His production style was rooted in crate-digging and flipping obscure soul and funk records into punchy, loop-driven beats that defined an era of East Coast hip-hop.

Beyond his own releases, 45 King made a major impact behind the scenes, producing hits like Queen Latifah’s “Ladies First” and Jay-Z’s “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),” the latter of which sampled the Broadway musical Annie and helped push Jay-Z into the mainstream. His “Lost Breakbeats” series became legendary among producers and DJs for its raw, sample-ready grooves. Even decades into his career, 45 King remained a beloved figure in hip-hop for his originality, precision, and dedication to the art of beat-making.