Back to web site homepage



MIXES, D.J. CUT-UP'S & LIVE PERFORMANCES BY GRANDMIXER D. ST.
Total Mixes: 6, Duration: 00:44:21


A summarised biography of Grandmixer D. St. created using Google Gemini in January 2026 can be found at the bottom of this page

Click on the 'Release Title' to view the full details of each release


Release Category Release Title Label Catalogue # Year Mixer(s) Mix Title Length
Bootleg Series - Ultimate LessonsThe Ultimate Lessons 3StarchildSTAR13112003Grandmixer D. St.MEGAMIX II "WHY IS IT FRESH?" Long Version00:08:09
D.J. Cut-Up - LegalMegamix II: Why Is It Fresh?CelluloidCEL1731984Grandmixer D. St.MEGAMIX II "WHY IS IT FRESH?" Long Version00:08:19
D.J. Cut-Up - LegalRockitTransparent Music5002112002Herbie Hancock featuring Mix Master Mike, Grandmixer D. St (as DXT), Rob Swift, D.J. Q-Bert, Babu, Faust & ShorteeROCKIT 2.00200:08:29
Legal Label - C.B.S.Herbie Hancock - Hardrock Mega-MixC.B.S.TA46161984Grandmixer D. St.HERBIE HANCOCK: MEGA-MIX00:06:19
Live Old School Hip HopHip Hop/Funk/Dance Classics Volume 2Music Of LifeSPOCK41992Grandmixer D. St. with The Infinity RappersTHE FIRST BLACK HISTORY JAM LIVE AT BRONX RIVER CENTRE Part 100:09:12
Live Old School Hip HopWild Style SoundtrackAnimalCHR14531983Grandmixer D. St. with Rammellzee & Shock DellAT THE AMPHITHEATRE00:03:43


Grandmixer DXT (born Derek Showard) is a cornerstone figure in the history of DJing, widely credited with transforming the turntable from a playback device into a legitimate musical instrument. Below is a summary of his history and contributions.

The Architect of the "Musical" Scratch

While pioneers like Grand Wizzard Theodore invented the physical act of scratching, Grandmixer DXT (originally known as GrandMixer D.ST) was the first to approach it with the precision of a musician. Drawing from his background as a drummer, DXT developed a style that emphasized rhythmic timing and pitch control.

The Innovation: He treated the record like a percussive instrument, using the turntable to play melodies and complex rhythms rather than just "cutting" between tracks.

Moniker Origin: His original name, D.ST, was a tribute to Delancey Street on Manhattan's Lower East Side.

The "Rockit" Revolution (1983)

DXT's most significant contribution to the global history of the DJ was his collaboration with jazz legend Herbie Hancock on the track "Rockit."

Mainstream Exposure: This was the first time millions of people outside of the New York Bronx saw a DJ "playing" a turntable on television.

Grammy History: The success of "Rockit" led to the first-ever Grammy performance featuring a DJ. DXT's appearance in the music video-and his live performance at the 1984 Grammy Awards-is cited by nearly every "second generation" DJ (such as DJ Qbert and Mix Master Mike) as the "eureka moment" that inspired them to pick up the craft.

The Term "Turntablist": It is widely noted that Herbie Hancock himself coined the term "turntablist" to describe DXT, distinguishing his instrumental skill from that of a standard club DJ.

Key Career Milestones

The Roxy Resident: DXT was a resident DJ at the legendary Roxy nightclub in NYC, the epicenter where hip-hop culture met the downtown punk and "No Wave" art scenes.

European Pioneer: In 1982, he was part of the first-ever international hip-hop tour to Europe, alongside Afrika Bambaataa and the Rock Steady Crew.

Film & Documentaries: He was featured in the seminal 1983 hip-hop film Wild Style and later served as a primary subject in the 2001 documentary Scratch, which chronicles the history of the art form.

Forensic Editing: In a unique turn for a DJ, DXT later innovated a technique called "forensic editing," which he used to help restore lost recordings of jazz greats like Thelonious Monk.

"The invention of scratching goes to Grandmaster Flash and Grand Wizard Theodore. What I did was an innovation... to make the turntable an instrument." - Grandmixer DXT