DJ Mehdi, a magician at the turntables

Mehdi Favéris-Essadi (1977–2011)

DJ Mehdi was a critically acclaimed and award-winning Paris-based music producer and DJ. He initially started out producing hip-hop records, most notably 113’s Les Princes de la Ville which earned two major French music awards in 2000 (Rap Album of the Year and Best New Artist). He then crossed over to electronic music where he made several critically acclaimed albums.

From the album Lucky Boy, released in 2006. Video directed by Romain Gavras.

From 2010, DJ Mehdi was touring and mixing Chicago house with British DJ Riton forming the duo Carte Blanche:

For more music samples and discography, check out DJ Mehdi’s website on MySpace or his Discogs page.

Homages

DJ Mehdi died on September 13, 2011 as the result of a terrible accident. News of his death sent a shock wave through the electronic and hip-hop music community. He was 34 years old. DJ Cut Killer broke the news with his tweet:

Dj Mehdi !!! il n'y a pas de mots pour vous dire la peine que je ressens .... un ami s en vas ....repose en paix fréro
—
Dj cutkiller (@DjCutKiller) September 13, 2011

Dj Mehdi !!! there are no words to tell you the pain I feel … a friend is gone … rest in peace bro’—DJ Cut Killer

Frédéric Mitterrand, the French Minister of Culture, issued a press release upon learning the news writing that DJ Mehdi was “a magician at the turntables”.

The Social Club in Paris, where DJ Mehdi was a frequent DJ, posted the following message on their Facebook page (translated from French): “Following DJ Mehdi’s death, we made the decision to close the club tonight. An evening of silence in honor of the artist. Thank your for not commenting on this status.”

DJ Riton tweeted: