Bio

Artist Background

Early Influence of Uncle Earl: 

D.J. Rob-Ski's musical odyssey commenced in Gary, Indiana, a city rich in musical heritage. His early influences were deeply rooted in family; his Uncle Earl had served as the drummer for the iconic Jackson Five before they inked their historic deal with Motown Records. These familial ties nurtured a profound appreciation for rhythm and melody, which would play a pivotal role in shaping his future in music.

 

Soul & Jazz Musical Influences - A Sonic Foundation: 

Rob-Ski's formative years were steeped in the timeless sounds of soul and jazz. He was introduced to the melodies of The Isley Brothers, the harmonies of The Jackson Five, the improvisational genius of John Coltrane, the musical innovation of The Beatles, and the iconic catalogs of Motown and Stax Records. These influential artists served as the cornerstone of his sonic education, offering a diverse tapestry of sounds and grooves that would later weave into his own musical tapestry.

 

Relocation to Milwaukee and Early Musical Discoveries: 

In the early '80s, Rob-Ski's family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he embarked on a captivating musical journey. It was in his mother's basement, experimenting with her turntable, that he stumbled upon the art of scratching. This serendipitous discovery opened up a world of sonic exploration, planting the seeds for his future as a DJ and producer.

 

The Rise of "Bobby Beat Box" - A Sonic Innovator: 

During the mid-'80s, Rob-Ski adopted the moniker "Bobby Beat Box," a name that resonated with his innovative beatboxing skills. He drew inspiration from pioneers like The Human Beat Box of The Fat Boys and Doug E. Fresh, carving out a unique multi-rhythmic style that set him apart. His mastery of beatboxing quickly gained notoriety, captivating audiences throughout Milwaukee neighborhoods and the halls of James Madison High School. Upon accompanying his friends and local rap duo the "K-Twins" to their cousin Scratchmaster K's home studio, D.J. Rob-Ski first touched the BOSS Dr. Rhythm drum machine. He ended up making his very first recording: playing a beat "free-hand" for the K-Twins early track "That's Life". D.J. Rob-Ski had now passed the musical "point of no return".

 

DJ for Brothers of the Movement - A Revolutionary Era: 

In the early '90s, Rob-Ski assumed the role of DJ for "Brothers of the Movement," a trailblazing rap collective which included members Duane X, Brotha Voni, and Rahjee, renowned for their revolutionary spirit and socially conscious lyrics. This chapter marked a critical period of artistic growth and collaboration, deepening his connection to music and its power to effect change.

 

Audio Engineer at Heads Up Recording Studio - Technical Prowess: 

By 1995, Rob-Ski ventured into the technical realm of music, taking on the role of audio engineer at Heads Up Recording Studio in Milwaukee. Here, he delved into the intricate art of music production and sound engineering, honing his skills behind the mixing board.

 

Formation of Mad Minds - A Creative Journey:

During his tenure at Heads Up Recording Studio, Rob-Ski co-founded the rap group "Mad Minds" alongside his cousin, The Eloheem. This dynamic creative partnership bore fruit in the form of organic hip-hop music that seamlessly fused their eclectic influences, laying the foundation for their future artistic endeavors.

 

Moe Musik Recording Studio - A New Horizon:

D.J. Rob-Ski's sonic journey led him to Moe Musik Recording Studio, where he took on the dual roles of audio engineer and in-house music producer. This period marked a pivotal turning point as he further honed his production skills and contributed to a diverse range of musical projects.

 

The Works Collective: 

In the late '90s, Rob-Ski spearheaded the formation of "The Works," a rap collective featuring emcees Jay Mixon, Relic One, Mad Minds, and Haneef from Brothers Of The Movement. Their underground hip-hop album, "The Works," achieved cult status with its limited CD release in 1998, showcasing Rob-Ski's versatility as a producer. Also during this time, D.J. Rob-Ski co-produced Jay Mixon's debut album "How I'm Coming", emcee Relic's "The EP", as well as "The Works Vol. 2". 

 

Collaboration with M.E.T.: 

Rob-Ski's sonic journey deepened as he became closely associated with the Milwaukee rap collective M.E.T., creating songs with long-time collaborators Relic One, Kerse One and the enigmatic Blood Brothers (Jedi One & Lotus One). Their creative synergy pushed musical boundaries and solidified Rob-Ski's reputation as a sonic visionary.

 

Performance DJ for Twan Mack - Opening Summerfest Shows: 

In 2021, Rob-Ski took on the role of performance DJ for Twan Mack, which proved to be a defining chapter in his career. This period saw him opening two Summerfest shows for hip-hop luminaries Big Daddy Kane and Big Boi from the multi-platinum rap group Outkast. These performances propelled him into the limelight, earning acclaim for his deft DJ skills.

 

Debut Album "HEAT CHECK" - A Sonic Breakthrough: 

On June 10, 2022, Rob-Ski unveiled his debut instrumental hip-hop album, "HEAT CHECK." This groundbreaking release showcased his exceptional talent, as he assumed full creative control by producing, recording, writing, and mastering every facet of the album. Notably, "HEAT CHECK" comprised entirely original compositions, devoid of any samples.

 

Production of "NEW YORK SUPREME" Sample Pack - Expanding Horizons: 

The buzz generated by "HEAT CHECK" catalyzed a significant collaboration. Rob-Ski, in association with Keith Clizark's Team Mashn Sound Design, created the "NEW YORK SUPREME" sample pack, distributed through PreSonus and Big Fish Audio. His unparalleled production prowess shone through as he crafted this versatile tool for fellow musicians and producers.

 

Partnership with World Fusion Music Productions - A New Era: 

Rob-Ski's relentless pursuit of sonic innovation led to a partnership with World Fusion Music Productions in early 2023. This collaboration signaled a new era in his career, expanding his creative horizons and promising exciting new ventures on the sonic frontier.

 

"SYNC CITY" - A Sonic Masterpiece: 

On August 24, 2023, Rob-Ski unveiled his magnum opus, "SYNC CITY." This album transported listeners to a futuristic realm where music and artistry reigned supreme. With "SYNC CITY," Rob-Ski continued to push boundaries and redefine the sonic landscape, cementing his status as a sonic visionary.

 

D.J. Rob-Ski's remarkable journey is a testament to his unwavering passion for music and his relentless pursuit of sonic innovation. His eclectic influences, technical prowess, and artistic vision have left an indelible mark on the world of music, inspiring generations of creators to explore new sonic horizons.