If theres a DJ in Seattle with deeper knowledge of dub and reggae than Kid Hops, let us know.
If there's a DJ in Seattle with deeper knowledge of dub and reggae than Kid Hops, let us know. Alpenglo Photo

KID HOPS (aka KYLE HOPS; KEXP)

"The pace of life is faster than it’s ever been. Music comes and goes faster than ever before.
 With that in mind, here are five tunes that never leave my bag, music I turn to again and again."

Ill Logic & Raf feat. Spoonface, "The Price" (Hospital Records, 2005)
"I love everything about this drum & bass tune that doesn’t lose sight of its roots; simply a lovely vibe. Ill Logic & Raf produced a number of timeless cuts before they seemingly disappeared from music production. This tune is one of their most memorable moments, and Spoonface delivers a stellar vocal performance. I love that lyric about the night bus in London, and this cut has enough subs to keep the dance floor bubbling."

Gappy Ranks, "Heavy Load" (Maximum Sound, 2010)
"The crown jewel in a string of 2010 updates on Johnny Clarke’s 1970’s 'Creation Rebel' riddim, this series of versions was named “Rebellion 2010.” I have many faves on this riddim, but this Gappy Ranks performance is a cut above. 'Nuff ghetto youths waan kick ball like Beckham….' 
To me, this embodies my Saturday morning KEXP radio show perfectly—classic reggae moments, brought up to speed with the present day. New voices, new artists, on classic riddims. This notion is at the center of my Positive Vibrations radio show."

Terranova, "Tourette" (Kompakt, 2014)
"Simply put, Fetisch Terranova is one of a kind, and perennially one of my favorite producers. 'Tourette' appeared on the Headlock EP ahead of his incredible 2015 Restless album. 
'Tourette' is so singular. No other tune does what this song does. When placed properly in a set, it’s incredible! But at the wrong time, it can clear the dance floor..."

Quadrant, Kid Hops & Iris, "Seasick" (Commercial Suicide, 2015)
“'Seasick' is featured on my 206 album, which was released in late 2015. I wrote this album with my friends Quadrant and Iris, and it’s a drum & bass homage to our home, and the city we love, Seattle. 
There are a few cuts on this album that I turn to again and again, but this tune, in particular, brings me a lot of joy. I love that swoopy bass line, from which this tune derives its name. 'Seasick' got a lot of support in the global drum & bass scene, with enthusiastic plays from, among others, DJ Marky, Doc Scott, Klute, London Elektricity, and the inimitable Marcus Intalex, whom we all miss dearly. 
It’s surreal—and very humbling—to have your heroes champion your music."

King Tubby, "King Tubby's in Fine Style" (Rosie, 1975)
“'King Tubby’s in Fine Style' is the dub version to Ronnie Davis’s 'Power of Love,' which shares the riddim track with Horace Andy’s 'You Are My Angel.' These are three of my very favorite tunes, but this dub, specifically, is one of my all-time favorites. 
King Tubby—alongside peers Lee Perry, Coxsone Dodd, and others—created dub music in 1970s Jamaica. The techniques and practices that these inspired engineers originated effectively wrote the blueprint for contemporary music production, especially in hiphop and dance music. 
Recorded in 1975, 'King Tubby's in Fine Style' sounds as fresh and inspired to me today as it ever has. This is truly timeless music."

Crew/label affiliations: "KEXP 90.3 FM, Hospital Records, Commercial Suicide, Get Physical, Ninja Tune."

Styles played: "Reggae, dub, drum & bass, house, electronic beats... Dance music!"

Events organized: TRUST (with Justice & Treasure)

DJing philosophy: "Tell a story, have fun! Fun is infectious—if you're not enjoying the tunes you're playing, how can anyone else?!"

Format: "I play off everything—vinyl and digital. When playing out, it really depends on the style of music and the venue. I love vinyl, and it’s a joy to DJ vinyl in the clubs. Sadly, though, not all new music is issued on vinyl quickly enough… or at all. And, not all venues are equipped to accommodate turntables."

Worst request: "None of my 'worst request' stories can outdo Riz’s…"

Upcoming events:
Positive Vibrations / Saturdays 9 am -12 am / KEXP 90.3FM, kexp.org
Expansions / Sunday December 3, 9 pm-12 am / KEXP 90.3fm kexp.org
TRUST / Friday December 15 / Kremwerk "
The return of TRUST, with J-Justice and Atlee Treasure…. I look forward to this night!"
Around the World with KEXP / Saturday December 16 / Nectar
Expansions MLK Unity Party / Sunday January 14, 2018 / Columbia City Theater "Our annual MLK Unity dance party, with all 5 Expansions DJs on rotation (Riz, Masa, Sharlese, Alex Ruder, and me). It’s always a highlight of my year. I love this party!"