Michael Eric Hill

From the moment that Michael Eric Hill was born, he was different. Brooklyn hospital doctors told his parents that he would only live for three weeks, but his mother, Odie, had faith. She not only believed her son would survive after spending three weeks hooked up to tubes in the hospital but being a deeply religious woman, she also believed her son was meant for nothing less than greatness.

Raised in the neighborhood of Fort Greene, Brooklyn, amidst such artists as Spike Lee, Chris Rock and Rakim, Michael was surrounded by an undeniable drive that he could not escape. At an early age, hip-hop found its way into his blood. Throwing concerts for his toys by gathering them around the portable turntable in front of his Spiderman poster in the living room, young Michael would play a mixture of songs by a variety of artists and genres. This distinctive sound helped develop his production and deejaying style for the future.

However, it was not until the day his brother, Darren, brought home Run DMC's "Sucker MCs" that his life changed forever.

Although music was a part of him, Michael nurtured other artistic aspects before settling on his true passion. He taught himself to dance in the late '80s and early '90s through watching music videos. He became a well-known hip-hop dancer (battling rival dancers and winning contests), and eventually appeared in music videos.

Turning back to the turntables, Michael took on the name "DJ Black Panther" and began releasing monthly underground hip-hop mixtapes at a time when independent music was not at the forefront. He moved on to doing pirate radio shows and eventually joined a hip-hop group The Ancients in 1999. Determined to carve his own path in the music industry, he created his own music label. Almost thirty years and several albums, EPs and mixtapes later, Michael has generated much buzz around the world for his ever-evolving sound.

In 2017, Michael was diagnosed with kidney failure, which required dialysis treatments. Through his mother's prayers and God's healing power, he came off of dialysis after one year. Not only were his doctors amazed, but it increased his faith and trust in God.

Michael Eric Hill - The CEO, music producer, audio engineer, indie artist, web designer, social media manager, hip-hop dancer, photographer, street art enthusiast and music influencer - closed his eyes for the last time on November 1, 2019. He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Prophetess Odie Hill-Jenkins; stepfather, John Jenkins; brother, Darren Hill; friend and brother, Russell and the Ballenger family, aunts, uncles, a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention, as well as colleagues and faithful fans, both in Brooklyn and worldwide.