Spkilla
Musical artist
Edwin Almonte, better known by his stage name, SPK and SPKilla, is a Dominican-American record producer, and DJ. As a youngster, SPK’s exposure to various forms of music ignited the spark that he would eventually kindle into a creative flame. Hip hop pioneers Run DMC, LL Cool J, N.W.A, EPMD, Eric B & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, and Beastie Boys were in constant play in his home, along with The Police and Metallica. Buju Banton, Super Cat, Juan Luis Guerra,and Luis Vargas were among the other spins that gave his musical experience a Caribbean vibe.The innovator of an eclectic sound that merges hip hop, reggaeton, and the grittiness of urban New York City, SPK lists Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, Timbaland, and Pete Rock as his primary influences as an artist. SPK cites these four maestros as “the reason why I picked up a sampling machine and started making beats."