— DJ KV

San Francisco’s Diverse Hip-Hop Collective

Kevin Smith, known in the music world as DJ KV, is a San Francisco native and a cornerstone of the Bay Area hip-hop scene. Starting his journey as a DJ in 1989, he quickly made his mark, evolving into a prominent hip-hop producer by the late ‘90s. DJ KV’s style reflects a fusion of East Coast, West Coast, and Southern hip-hop, mirroring the rich, diverse sounds of the Bay Area.

Inspired by iconic DJs such as Jazzy Jeff, DJ Aladdin, DJ Cash Money, and QBert, KV built a strong foundation behind the turntables. As his career transitioned into production, he drew creative influence from legendary producers like Dr. Dre, Marley Marl, Easy Mo Bee, and Eric Sermon, further shaping his distinct sound.

High school was a turning point for KV’s artistry, as he became a key member of groups like Brothers On Top (BOT) and 3 Points of View (3POV), both mentored by Def Line Express. This influential collective—featuring talents like Damian Domino D, Jason Assassin MD, MC Jay, Two Times the Soul MC Diss, DJ KLUV, and MC Prince J (Ty Stick)—was pivotal in KV’s artistic development and, in his words, “the most advanced hip-hop team in San Francisco.”

Through his coast-spanning sound and deep commitment to hip-hop’s cultural roots, DJ KV has become a name synonymous with innovation in the Bay Area. His music honors hip-hop’s foundations while forging new paths, creating a timeless blend of styles that resonates across generations.