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| DJ Snake | |
|---|---|
| Name | DJ Snake |
| Caption | DJ Snake in 2016 |
| Birth name | William Sami Étienne Grigahcine |
| Birth date | 1986-06-13 |
| Birth place | Paris, France |
| Origin | Paris, France |
| Genres | Electronic dance music, trap, EDM, trapstep, house |
| Occupations | DJ, record producer, songwriter |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Labels | Interscope Records, Geffen Records, Because Music |
| Associated acts | Kendrick Lamar, Selena Gomez, Lizzo, Cardi B |
DJ Snake is a French DJ, record producer, and songwriter known for fusing electronic dance music with hip hop and global pop influences. Emerging from the Parisian club scene, he achieved international prominence through cross-genre collaborations and chart-topping singles. His work spans studio albums, high-profile remixes, major festival performances, and contributions to contemporary pop and urban music.
Born William Sami Étienne Grigahcine in Paris, he grew up in the 15th arrondissement and is of Algerian descent, with family roots in Algeria and ties to Kabylie. He attended local schools and became involved in the Parisian music scene, frequenting clubs in Pigalle, Le Marais, and venues such as La Bellevilloise. Early influences included exposure to French hip hop crews, house music parties, and the legacy of producers associated with labels like Roulé and Ed Banger Records. His formative years overlapped with artists from the Parisian scene, such as Daft Punk, Air, and Justice, as well as global acts like Timbaland and The Neptunes.
He began as a DJ and producer performing at local venues and collaborating with French artists, connecting with figures from Banlieue culture and working with crews linked to La Courneuve and regional labels. Early production credits and remixes for artists on Because Music and independent imprints led to recognition by international DJs and promoters from events like Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland, and Coachella. His commercial breakthrough arrived after production and remix projects for established acts and viral singles that received airplay on stations such as BBC Radio 1 and platforms like Beatport. Collaborations with artists associated with Interscope Records and Geffen Records amplified his visibility in the United States and global markets.
His discography includes studio albums, EPs, singles, and high-profile remixes. Key releases feature charting singles released through labels including Interscope Records and Because Music. Notable singles and album tracks have charted on the Billboard Hot 100, UK Singles Chart, and ARIA Charts. He has produced tracks that appeared on compilation series like Ministry of Sound collections and contributed to soundtracks promoted by companies such as Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. His releases have been licensed for use in events like the FIFA World Cup soundtrack rotations and major advertising campaigns tied to brands collaborating with artists from Capitol Records and Republic Records.
He is known for cross-genre collaborations with artists from hip hop, pop, and Latin music scenes. Notable collaborators include Kendrick Lamar, Selena Gomez, Cardi B, Diplo, Tinashe, Ellie Goulding, Major Lazer, J Balvin, Ozuna, Lizzo, Young Thug, Future, Migos, Lil Jon, G-Dragon, Blackpink, Will.i.am, Sia, Zayn Malik, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Drake, Burna Boy, and producers associated with labels like Mad Decent and Cash Money Records. He has produced and co-written records that appear on albums released by Def Jam Recordings, Columbia Records, and Island Records, and remixed tracks for acts signed to Sony Music Entertainment and EMI Records.
His musical style blends electronic subgenres such as trap, EDM, bass, and house with elements from regional genres including reggaeton and Afrobeat. Influences cited include Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Giorgio Moroder, and producers historically linked to Motown and Stax Records lineage through sampling traditions. His live performances have taken place at festivals and venues like Ultra Music Festival, Glastonbury Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival, Bonnaroo, Reading Festival, Sónar, Lollapalooza, and stadium events in cities such as Paris, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Media portrayal has appeared in outlets like Billboard, Rolling Stone, NME, Pitchfork, and The Guardian.
He has received nominations and awards from institutions such as the Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and regional honors including the Victoire de la Musique. Chart achievements include Billboard placements and certifications from organizations like the Recording Industry Association of America and British Phonographic Industry. He has been recognized by industry lists compiled by Forbes, featured in year-end lists by DJ Mag, and acknowledged by national broadcasters such as France Télévisions and Radio France.
He maintains a private personal life while engaging in philanthropic and public-awareness activities, supporting causes linked to disaster relief and cultural initiatives in France and Algeria. He has participated in benefit events alongside artists affiliated with charities tied to organizations like UNICEF and cultural festivals that collaborate with institutions such as Institut Français and municipal cultural programs in Paris. His work has intersected with campaigns addressing arts funding and youth music education in partnership with local councils and music schools connected to conservatoires and associations in Île-de-France.
Category:French DJs Category:French record producers Category:People from Paris