DJ King Flow interviews DJ Rob Swift for Mixtape Addict 56.

Tariq Azam
Jul 1
5 min read

Updated: Jul 2

American DJ and producer DJ Rob Swift in the upper part of the picture wearing a baseball cap and looking at the camera with his right hand pointing to his head and his left hand reaching forward with a torn paper effect between him and the lower part of the picture with DJ King Flows Mixtape Addict and sponsor logos, colour image

French DJ and producer DJ King Flow has unveiled the playlist and special guest for the latest instalment of his acclaimed weekly series, Mixtape Addict. This episode features an exclusive interview with the legendary DJ Rob Swift, further cementing the show's reputation as a leading platform for underground hip hop. Scientific Sound Asia, a respected presence in the Asian music scene, continues to support the series as a radio station, DJ agency, and event organiser.

Hailing from France, DJ King Flow began his musical path at the age of 14 and has since earned a distinctive role within the international hip-hop community. Renowned for his genre-blending mixtapes and forward-looking approach, he is widely praised for pushing creative boundaries while staying true to hip hop’s core values.

Recognised for his inventive production and technical flair, DJ King Flow has collaborated with influential figures including Ras Kass, Torae, Juicy J, Tragedy Khadafi, O.C., and Khujo Goodie of Goodie Mob. These partnerships reflect both his musical versatility and the respect he commands across the global rap landscape.

His work is rooted in storytelling and emotional impact, bridging cultures through a shared love of hip hop. With a steadfast commitment to his craft, he continues to inspire upcoming artists and dedicated fans alike, securing his place as a prominent figure in today’s hip-hop scene.

Since launching his career in 2012, DJ King Flow has built strong connections in major American cities such as New York, Dallas, Providence, Miami, and Seattle. Alongside longtime collaborator Young Amsterdam, he has nurtured a cross-continental network of artists and creatives. Their joint efforts have driven numerous collaborations and strengthened ties across the international underground.

In 2015, he launched Mixtape Addict, a radio show that quickly gained traction on stations worldwide. By 2019, the platform had grown into Mixtape Addict Report, a video series offering in-depth interviews with key figures in the genre. With stops in France, Canada, and New York, the series has delivered candid conversations and raw insight into the heart of hip hop.

This week’s episode features DJ Rob Swift, whose turntablism and history with The X-Ecutioners have made him a pivotal figure in DJ culture. His appearance continues the show’s tradition of spotlighting voices that have shaped and elevated hip hop. DJ King Flow’s continued focus on authenticity, connection, and culture ensures that Mixtape Addict remains an essential outlet for underground expression.

American DJ and producer Rob Swift performing on Technics SL-1200s at an event wearing a baseball cap and green T-shirt, colour image

Interview Guest: DJ Rob Swift.

DJ Rob Swift, born Robert Aguilar in Queens, New York, is a legendary DJ, producer, and turntablist who has helped shape the art of DJing for over three decades. Influenced early on by his father and older brother, Rob Swift began experimenting with vinyl at age 12, eventually mastering the elements of scratching, beat juggling, and live sampling.

He quickly became known for pushing the technical and creative boundaries of turntablism, establishing himself as one of New York’s most innovative DJs. In 1991, he joined the iconic DJ collective The X‑Ecutioners (formerly known as the X‑Men), a group that revolutionised battle DJing and performance-based hip-hop.

Rob Swift gained further recognition after winning the 1992 East Coast DMC Championship and contributing to landmark albums like X‑Pressions and Built from Scratch, both of which helped bring turntablism into the broader hip-hop spotlight. Rob Swift launched his solo career in 1998 with The Ablist, an album that fused battle-style cuts with musical composition, creating a blueprint for how turntables could be used as expressive instruments.

He followed it with Sound Event in 2002 and War Games in 2005, blending dark, layered beats with jazz, funk, and Latin influences, showing his versatility as both a DJ and a producer. His contributions go beyond studio recordings.

Rob Swift has performed and collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Mike Patton, Dan the Automator, and Herbie Hancock, further expanding his influence beyond traditional hip-hop circles. His work has also been featured on platforms like ESPN and MTV, and he previously hosted the online radio show Dope on Plastic on Scion A/V.

Today, Rob Swift continues to preserve and advance the culture. He teaches at The New School in New York City and leads the Brolic Army DJ School, where he mentors aspiring DJs and turntablists on the history, techniques, and craft of DJing. His dedication to education and innovation keeps him deeply rooted in hip-hop’s evolution while influencing future generations.

As a guest on our hip-hop radio show, DJ Rob Swift brings decades of experience, stories from the golden era of turntablism, and a deep respect for the art of DJing. His perspective on the evolution of hip-hop and the importance of preserving its technical foundations makes him a vital voice in the culture today.

DJ King Flow opens Episode 56 with Rob Swift's Cutting With Class, showcasing tight turntablism before diving into the jazz-infused Jazz Is My Religion with Bob James and Dave McMurray. Beneficence, Inspectah Deck, and DJ Rob Swift elevate the Boom Bap intensity on Digital Warfare, while Leaders Not Followers fuses gritty lyricism and underground beats.

The set shifts into darker territory with Larceny by Casablanca, The Gawd & Cotola, and Fan The Flame from K.A.A.N & DJ Hoppa. The Clipse add weight with So Be It, driven by Pharrell's production. Gran Centennial brings a double dose of Boom Bap pressure with Body Bag and What's My Name, cementing his rugged East Coast credentials.

Later, Contageous Funk’s No Way Out and Snoop Dogg’s G-Funk-influenced Sticcy Situation inject a mix of East and West vibes. Jimmymack's Gen X Party offers club-ready East Coast flavours before DV Alias Khryst brings Horrorcore flair on Holloween and conscious tones with Fuhandz on Story.

The finale features French Boom Bap heat on L'envers De La Medaille by 2spee Gonzales and intense collaboration with Onyx & L’Uzine on Beat Da Shit Out Chu. The show closes with Different Price, featuring DJ Mirage, Elcamino, M Dot & Che Noir, and a special interview with DJ Rob Swift, providing an essential deep dive into hip hop craft and culture.

The live broadcast is scheduled for Tuesday, July 1st, 2025, from 8 PM to 10 PM Indochina Time (ICT), with a replay planned for Saturday from 8 AM to 10 AM (ICT).

DJ King Flow Mixtape Addict episode 56 (first hour).

Rob Swift - Cutting With Class

Rob Swift, Bob James & Dave McMurray - Jazz Is My Religion

Beneficence, Inspectah Deck & DJ Rob Swift - Digital Warfare

DJ King Flow feat. Lex Lakaiser & Dnzl Izm - Leaders Not Followers

Casablanca The Gawd & Cotola - Larceny

K.A.A.N & DJ Hoppa - Fan The Flame

The Clipse - So Be It

D’Shon El Villano - Mixtape Addict Freestyle

Gran Centennial - Body Bag

Gran Centennial - What’s My Name

Contageous Funk - No Way Out