Masta Hanksta The American DJ about beats rhythm and life.
Masta Hanksta has a new album out called The American DJ, inspired by his experiences as a DJ in his last 20 years in the industry. The American DJNow being distributed digitally through iTunes,Amazon,Napster and E-Music. I heard part of his album and if you’re looking for some dope beats to rap over, you definitely need to download his album. Here is some information about the album from Masta himself,
My inspiration for this album is all music and all types of DJs hip hop ,trance,r&b ,salsa something that can be played in a club and be enjoyed by all people.
The album is about my 20 years in the the dj game and all the struggles I went through to get to were I ‘m at today.
I releases this album because I enjoy dancing making people dance this music is mostly electronic instrumental and still have the elements if human nature which get the head bobbin and ass shakin.
This is music which has to be heard by everyone I can’t keep it to myself any longer.
American DJ was created to honor all DJs and there craft.
Here’s a video of him a while back sportin our goods:
Here is a Biography of Masta Hanksta:
Masta Hanksta (born 3 March 1969) is the performing name of Henry Rivas a Mexican-American DJ, Composer and Artist of many mediums.
Henry AKA Masta Hanksta was born and raised in Northern California and is one of the most influential DJ’s of his time. A true pioneer in the Dj game with over 27 years of music experience. Hanksta was one of the youngest DJ’s to hit the streets in 1982.
Growing up poor in San Francisco’s Mission district in Early 70’s Hanksta Parents his six brothers and two sisters struggled in in a two bedroom apartment. until his Father Julian Rivas a migrant farm worker saved up enough money to buy a house in Daly City Where Hanksta would spend most of his childhood.
He began his record collection in 1977 when he was just 8 years old. Hanksta would walk to a near by Record Factory outlet with his older brothers and spend his weekly allowances on a 45” records.
In 1982 He heard a Disc Jockey on the radio by the name of Cameron Paul from a local station called KSOL. That is when Hanksta first realized he wanted to be a DJ. He began to experiment with his record collection using his mothers old turntable which was built into the cabinet.
His first gigs where garage parties for a local gangs in his neighborhood. He would use a wooden Sanyo turntable and a dual cassettes deck player attached to a radio shack mixer.
Hanksta and his brother began charging 50.00 a gig they soon saved up for better equipment and in 1985 they purchased there first pair of Technics SL-1200 turntables along with a Numark Mixer which he still uses to this day.
Working under the name MOB productions (Masters of Beats) Such famous DJ names like Dj Qbert and Mix Master Mike DJ Chuey Gomez AKA ChuDog from the California music channel have attended some of Hankstas gigs and have played at some of His wild and outrages house parties.
At the age of 15 Hanksta would become one of the youngest DJ’s in Northern California to perform in some of San Francisco’s premiere bars and nightclubs. Hanksta once dominated the DJ Scene in Northern California with as much as three bookings per day. He refused to join the battle scene but remained on top for most of his career. Hanksta fell a victim to drugs and alcohol and was forced to step away from the Club scene.
Hanksta graduated from Jefferson High in 1987 and obtained his bachelor degree in Computer graphics in 2002 from the Academy of Art in San Francisco.
After taking a 15-year break from being a DJ Hanksta has returned to the DJ scene and is now producing ,writing and creating his own style of music.
Hanksta just released his 3rd CD The American DJ.
Which is now being distributed digitally under his own independent record label Hanksta Records©
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Excellent summary of accomplishments, although I’m sure there are many more to list. Masta Hanksta was a great find in my youtube discovery of DJ’s.
Unknown to me until I stumbled across his YT page – he was instantly welcomed through his comedic take on Dj’ing as well as having an awesome skill set.
When it comes down to it – It’s all about having fun and Hanksta sure knows how to do just that!!
Thanks to DBMLABS for the inside scoop on Masta Hanksta’s journey up untill today!
Comment by Gabe Escobar aka DJ ESC — October 7, 2009 @ 8:12 pm
Great to see Hanksta active after all thes years.
I remember when almost all djs in Daly City wanted to battle him including me.
Even Dj Qbert showed up once at Hankstas house.
Big ups to the Masta.
Comment by Marvin — October 8, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
This guy is a great scratchcher I wish I had half his skills.
Nice shirts too.
Comment by Ronald — April 25, 2010 @ 5:38 pm