Known best as the DJ and production mastermind behind Blackalicious, Chief Xcel has a long history in the California hip-hop community. In 1992, Xcel started working with a crew named SoleSides, whose members included DJ Shadow, Lateef the Truth Speaker, and Lyrics Born. Soleside Records released Blackalicious’ first EP, Melodica, which featured the instant classic anthem “Swan Lake.” By late 1997, Solesides Records turned into Quannum Records. In 1999, Quannum put out another Blackalicious EP, A2G, and their first full-length record, Nia. Since then, Blackalicious has released 3 more full-length albums. Beyond Blackalicious, Chief Xcel has recorded and produced with a handful of other California hip-hop artists. Chief Xcel has also toured all over the U.S. to DJ at clubs and private parties. His eclectic taste and vast knowledge of a wide diversity of music makes him such an unbelievable DJ. He can pull from any one of a number of genres that his collection of music spans including salsa, electro, Brazilian breaks, and, of course, hip-hop.