Born Arist Delgado in Managua, Nicaragua, DJ Craze relocated to the United States at a young age, ultimately settling in Miami, Florida. Immersed in the city’s diverse music culture, he developed a passion for hip-hop and turntablism. By the late 1990s, Craze had cemented his reputation as one of the world’s premier DJs, making history as the only person to win the DMC World DJ Championship three years in a row (1998, 1999, 2000).
Craze’s technical prowess behind the decks is matched by his boundless musical versatility—his sets are known for skillfully blending hip hop, drum & bass, Miami bass, trap, dubstep, and beyond. Over the years, he’s shared stages and collaborated with artists like Kanye West, Yelawolf, and A-Trak. Outside of live performance, Craze has released acclaimed mix CDs, original productions, and remixes, showing his evolution as both a performer and a producer.
He co-founded Slow Roast Records with producer Kill The Noise, a label spotlighting innovative sounds in hip-hop and bass music. Craze’s influence extends well beyond battle DJ culture; he’s heralded for his championing of technical DJ skills amid rapid changes in the electronic music scene, and for pushing boundaries with turntablism’s possibilities. Throughout his career, DJ Craze has consistently prioritized artistry, innovation, and a deep respect for the foundations of DJ culture.