| Mixmaster Spade | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Birth name |
Frank Antonia Williams |
|
Born |
November 1, 1961 |
|
Origin |
Compton, California, U.S. |
|
Died |
March 15, 2005 (aged 43) |
|
Genre |
|
|
Occupation |
Rapper, record producer, DJ |
|
Years active |
1982-2005 |
|
Label |
L.A. Posse Records (1988-1992) |
|
Associated acts |
CJ Mac, The Compton Posse, DJ Aladdin, DJ Pooh, DJ Quik, Joe Cooley, King Tee, Toddy Tee |
Frank Antonia Williams (November 1, 1961 - March 15, 2005), known by his stage name Mixmaster Spade, was an American rapper, record producer, and DJ from Compton, California. He is regarded as a West Coast hip hop pioneer, and also credited for being one of the first rappers to make harmonized rap. Williams is mostly known for his tracks with Toddy Tee, King T, and The Compton Posse. He released several singles in the late 1980s, including "Just Say No", "Genius Is Back" and "Gangster Boogie".
Williams began DJing in the late 1970s when he was attending school in New York and saw someone DJ at a park, who eventually taught him the craft. He then returned to Los Angeles and bought himself a turntable and mixer. Williams began taping himself DJing and eventually sold them as tapes.
Williams was killed in a 2005 motorcycle accident.