"Born John Khilla in Sydney 1979, MK-1 began DJing at the age of 15 with the aid of mentor and friend, New York’s legendary DJ Steve Dee (founder of the X-men and inventor of the funk a.k.a beat juggling). By the age of 18 MK-1had developed his own distinct style of DJing, shunning the many cultural clichés of the Hip-Hop scene. 

Between 1997 and 1999 he got his first professional push at BJ’s Night Club and Castles. There he spun R&B and Hip Hop to Sydney’s thriving Latin and African community. In this environment, the Afro-Latin rhythms and beats exposed MK-1 to a wider range and ultimately added to the versatility of his live sets. 

2000, MK-1 was invited to be the resident DJ at the specially built 2000 Olympics Nightclub playing exclusively to athletes throughout the Games.

2001 – 2004 MK-1 was invited to be member of the exclusive Aria Club Chart DJ’s which enabled MK-1 to give a solid contribution back to the Australian music industry. 

A significant turning point in his career was his 3 year residency at the world famous Iguana Bar. Rubbing shoulders with local and international celebrities, MK-1 frequently entertained rock, pop, jazz and hip hop artists well into the early hours in this Kings Cross institution. 

Around that time, He was even asked to DJ at Chopper Reads second last Birthday!

2010’s MK-1 was invited by Afrika Bambatta to start a Sydney Chapter of the Universal Zulu Nation (The founding family of Hip Hop Culture). Also in that year he  established his famed Hip Hop radio show ‘The Sounds of the Zulu Nation’ on Bondi Beach Radio. With a continuing mission to elevate the culture of Hip Hop, Sounds of the Zulu Nation continued to provide a diverse array of quality and innovative music programming and had functioned as a platform for premier releases and in-depth interviews of both Local and International artists.

2012 MK-1 became the official tour DJ for Aria Nominated L-Fresh The Lion. Touring and preforming coutless festivals and events over an 8 year period. 

2017 MK-1 Was invited to be the Opening DJ for Sir Elton John at an invitation only event hosted by Youtube. 

At Present, MK-1 hold residency at Sydney’s Caterpillar Club, Dean & Nancy on 22, Rekodo Japanse Vinyl Bar, Bobbie’s Double Bay and multiple Merivale Venues

It is more than just claiming to be a DJ that motivates MK-1 to do what he does, with precision and determination; he is a consummate perfectionist that knows the end product is a reflection of his work ethic.

His position in the Australian Hip Hop industry is one that is held in the highest regard, with his knowledge, skill and passion for hip hop and its culture reigning supreme amongst his peers.

“MK-1 continues to expand on his career that has proven to be an inspiring, enlightening and above all  respectful journey of a humble DJ / scholar and entrepreneur that has come so far and has remained true to himself ! and true to the game.” - Ms Hennessy (author/DJ/journalist)"

Support DJ for:

Afrika Bambatta                                   

Snoop Dogg                           

Talib Kweli                    

Grandwizzard Theodore 

Alkaholiks

Big Daddy Kane

KRS-One

Ghostface Killah 

John Morales      

Dead Prez

Jazzy Jeff

Duran Duran 

Blondie