Train Wreck Mix - Vol 2

Exile

Dirty Science, Plug Research, LA

Whether it’s re-creating classic radio broadcasts, going ballistic on the MPC, trading vintage funk breaks with his brother-from-another DJ Day, remixing Flying Lotus, or lacing tracks for vocalists as varied as Fashawn, Snoop Dogg, Rakaa, Muhsinah or Mobb Deep: there are few artists who embody the free-thinking spirit of California’s beat generation like Aleksander 'Exile' Manfredi. Born to a musical family - his father and grandfather both played in various bands from Mariachi to traditional Italian music - Exile first got in touch with hip hop culture through the local roller skating rinks, the movie 'Breakin', and a cassette tape of LL Cool J’s 'Radio'. It didn’t take long that his love for what he heard and saw grew into trying to create it himself. Armed with nothing but a cheap turntable and a tape deck, he figured out the art of creating loops and honed his skills as a turntablist, before linking up with then 16-year-old rapper Aloe Blacc to form the group Emanon. They went on to release several tapes as well as their official debut LP, 'The Waiting Room', on Shaman Work, followed by Exile’s solo effort, 'Dirty Science', which featured contributions from Slum Village, MED, or Ghostface Killah, amongst others. Big Al also teamed up with lyrical genius Blu for an acclaimed album, 'Below The Heavens', and straight-up ruled the late noughties with his instrumental work, live MPC performances, and other surprises guaranteed to catch people off guard. Keep your ears open - Exile has just begun.