Mehdi Favéris-Essadi was a hip hop and house producer, best known as DJ Mehdi and one of the key figures in Ed Banger's electro family
On 13th September 2011 a 34 year old Mehdi tragically fell to his death in his Parisian home. It happened as both Mehdi and Ed Banger Records where at the pinnacle of their fame and success. At the time Mehdi was hosting an intimate party of close friends and family for the birthday of his Carte Blanche partner, Riton.
Perhaps it was the acutely tragic nature of his death, or the sheer vitality he brought to each performance I had the honour of witnessing, but when I heard the news of his passing, it was the first time I can remember being affected by the death of someone I didn't personally know.
In honour of his talent, and in mourning of a career cut far too short, here are five examples of why Mehdi was one of the best artists to ever grace the decks.
Dear Summer Mixtape
On the hottest September day for 50 years I can think of no better way to pass 33 blissful minutes than by immersing yourself in Mehdi's 'Dear Summer' mixtape. A soundtrack for, and love letter to, hot days spent by the pool, it showcases Mehdi's impressive technical ability and first-class track selection. From Jay Z to Drake via Larry Heard, Cassius, L-Vis 1990 and Queen(!) this is a banger from start to finish.
Signatune
No list of Mehdi or Ed Banger's achievements would be complete without "Signatune". Along with Justice's "Waters Of Nazareth", Boys Noize - "& Down" and Simian Mobile Disco's "Tits N Acid", this track perfectly encapsulates the sound of electro's 2007 world conquest.
Carte Blanche Gare Du Nord At Nuits Sonores
"Carte Blanche Gare Du Nord At Nuits Sonores" - could that title be any more French? Unfortunately this is one of the only decent quality videos of Mehdi DJing. But even when confined to 4 minutes 50 seconds, you can see the incredible energy and vitality he brought to his performances. He's having such a good time behind the decks, that he's even got a decidedly dour-looking Gesaffelstein dancing by the 1 minute mark.
Lucky Boy At Night
The first full length album released on Ed Banger Records. This cemented Mehdi's position in the Ed Banger family and his move from hip hop into house. Featuring appearances from Chromeo, Thomas Bangalter, Feadz, Kenny Dope, SoMe and Switch this announced DJ Mehdi as a force to be reckoned with in dance music.
Owning The Stage In This Video
I've said it before and I'll say it again, this is one of the single greatest videos on the entire internet. Filmed at Busy P's birthday party at CineSpace in 2009, the stage is packed with a who's who of late Noughties dance music. The stage is crammed with Justice, Busy P, Kavinsky, A-Trak (and his hat), Sebastian, Thomas Bangalter, SoMe, and of course, Mehdi. Taken just as Thomas Bangalter surprised the crowd with a rarer than rare DJ set, Mehdi is in the mele giving it stacks. He's having such a good time that he's more than comfortable jumping on the decks to steal mixes from both Busy and one-half of Daft Punk. In this video, Mehdi is the embodiment of everything every dance music fan has always wanted to do on a night out.
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