Words: Chad Allen
Photography: Sean Hartgrove
When you think of an MC, you might conjure up a thought of KRS-One describing in one of his
many songs the meaning and origins of an MC. Or maybe it’s Public Enemy, and the image of a
giant clock swinging from the neck of Flavor Flav while he hypes crowds for Chuck D is passing
through your head. Kangols, boom boxes, tracksuits, wherever your mind may drift, amongst those
that know, MC is usually a classic term used to describe a passionate lyricist who has mastered
the art of moving a crowd. Although, stereotypes might have you normally associating the term,
“MC” with hip hop, things have changed since the 90s and the gap between an MC and every
other genre of music is long gone, giving birth to some of the most epic crossovers music has ever
witnessed.
In the underground scene of EDM, it’s no different. Drum and bass music, with its heavy hip hop
influence, and funky yet aggressive rhythms, set up for the perfect back beat of any skilled MC. J
Messinian is one of these MCs. Recognized by drum and bass fans everywhere, Messinian’s strong
stage presence and precise delivery, backed by tremendous heart and a work ethic that could
give Wall Street a run for its money has lead him to book and play shows across the globe several
times over. And work isn’t slowing. One week, he may be in New Zealand, the next LA, then finding
himself in Japan the following week. Needless to say, this guy stays busy.
Born in Los Angeles, raised in a rougher part of Philadelphia, and now, finding a calmer life in Las
Vegas, Messinian has lived and is living a life (even to this day) much like a gypsy. His story is
very interesting to listen to. One might consider him in the running for the most interesting man in
the world, right next to that Dos Equis guy. Knowing just how to play the cards he’s been dealt, it’s
the life in Philly that helped to mold him into the artist he has become today. Since an early age,
Messinian found himself sneaking into clubs and drum and bass venues across Philly looking to
make a name for himself. Even before he was of age, he was playing shows all over the east coast,
swiftly dominating the DnB scene, and eventually landing him a spot as the front man for one of the
most renowned and longest running drum and bass/EDM tours to date, Planet of the Drums
Holding the weight of mega DJs Dieselboy, AK 1200, and Dara is certainly a lot of pressure, yet J
Messinian stands fashionably as the commanding voice for such an epic group of talent. Together
since the 90s, to this day - even playing on a Tuesday - you can find them packing out venues
across the globe. When you think of the saying, “iron sharpens iron” in this case, it couldn’t be more
true. Surrounded by this line up of talent, J Messinian is about as sharp as they come. Since 1998,
he has been honing his craft and developing his skills, making him one of the most sought after
American drum and bass MCs in the world.
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