DJ Hurricane

DJ Hurricane — born Wendell Timothy Fite in Hollis, Queens — is a renowned DJ, rapper, and producer best known for his 13-year tenure with the Beastie Boys. He began in the Hollis hip hop scene with “Solo Sounds” alongside Davy DMX, later joining the Hollis Crew and forming The Afros, who released Kickin’ Afrolistics on Jam Master Jay’s JMJ Records in 1990.

Hurricane met the Beastie Boys while on Run-D.M.C.’s Raising Hell tour in 1986. In 1987, he teamed up with Davy DMX on the Davy’s Ride album, then hit the road on the Together Forever Tour with Run-D.M.C., the Beastie Boys, and Davy DMX, performing with all three acts each night. Soon after, he became the Beastie Boys’ exclusive DJ, performing and recording with them through the 1990s, when they released Paul’s Boutique, Check Your Head, and Ill Communication.

His solo debut, The Hurra (1995, Grand Royal), featured the Beastie Boys, MC Breed, and Sen Dog, and included “Stick ’em Up” from the CB4 Soundtrack. Subsequent albums included Severe Damage and Don’t Sleep, with collaborations from Xzibit, Kool G Rap, Public Enemy, Talib Kweli, and more.

Recently inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame, Hurricane continues performing worldwide, celebrating “50 Years of Hip Hop” and appearing in Kings From Queens: The RUN DMC Story.