Marq Hawkins

DJ CLI-N-Tel Marq Hawkins

The biography and writings of a Hip Hop artist, educator and trailblazing pioneer. In this iconic work, Marq Hawkins also known as DJ Cli-N-Tel tells his origin story and roots as a dee jay, writer and musical artist growing up in Compton and Los Angeles, California. He also tells the origin stories of Hall of Fame artists Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and DJ Yella, before the formation of the controversial and well-known Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group, NWA. Readers will find that this historical account will fill in some much-needed gaps in the story of west coast Hip Hop history as well as inform about the plight of African Americans. Along with his autobiography, Hawkins includes a series of essays and writings on the Black experience in America. The book features anecdotal stories, statistical data and some rare photographs of his life as a professional recording artist, writer, director and historian.