Prince Alexander grew up in Hamilton where he was introduced to reggae music beyond Bob Marley by good friend and long-time reggae selector/collector, DJ Atmosphere.
Through his experiences sitting in on Atmosphere’s radio shows on what was then Contact FM, he quickly gained a thirst for the music and was also inspired by the message of unity and one love. During this time he also began dabbling in music production, and started to amass a collection of synths, samplers and outboard gear, and set about writing music.
After moving to Wellington in the mid-to-late nineties, Prince Alexander met one of NZs most prominent selectors of the time, Danny Lemon. Along with Lemon, he became good friends with Duke Willis and Top Knot, formed a crew, and together played under the banner of Sounds Almighty Aotearoa, at a time when reggae music was strong in the Capital and nights were well supported. Sounds Almighty supported the likes of The Mad Professor, Jah Love Music from JA, and also appeared at the annual One Love events.
Alongside selecting, Prince Alexander continued to produce his own music, and with his partner (now wife) started a record label, ‘Breakers Wax’. The label focused on electronic music and released two 12″ records in Europe. After these releases however, he moved away from production altogether for quite some time. Fast forward to 2012 and the Prince has found a new fire for writing tunes.
Now producing under his own name (Steve King), he continues to enjoy the process of creating a riddim and cutting it to dub plate for his record collection and DJ sets. He has also not lost the thirst for fresh vinyl in the collection.
Respect to Prince Alexander for his Top Ten tunes for May 2012, straight out of the bag in no particular order.
1. Alton Ellis – Rhodesia (Dub)
2. Sizzla – African Liberation (Disciples mix)
3. Steve King – Mana Wide (Dub Plate)
4. Clarence Parks – Things A Come Up To Bump (Dub)
5. Dennis Bovell – Jughead
6. Pupajim – Double Lock
7. Milton Henry – Rasta Man in Zion
8. Jah Zebi – Always
9. Horace Andy and Foxy – Know Yourself
10. Ranking Dread -General
