Mehdi Favéris-Essadi is “Somebody, somebody, somebody” as his lyrics repeat in one of his singles. Much to the dismay of the whole of the hip-hop world, the electronic music world and indeed all those who knew him, Mehdi was fatally injured in a tragic accident at his home in Paris last night. The artist bridged hip-hop and disco, which seems an awkward combination but he made it appear seamless. It pains me to write in the past tense, but such are the regrettable circumstances, so I must continue. He was an integral member in that Parisian-discotheque-come-dirty-electro-club movement that was made popular in the mid 00’s by Justice, Simian Mobile Disco, Chromeo and SebastiAn among others. The Ed Banger culture (Ed Banger Records is the label that supported the most of the aforementioned artists including Mehdi) swept the electro clubs of the world and Paris was seen as the epicenter of dance. A new fashion was spawned, it accelerated the rise of electro and yet it was different from your usual grimy dance music scene. It was light-hearted, jovial and it had a retro feel such has been developed by Breakbot. Please note I am not continuing to write in the past tense because this culture is over with Mehdi’s death, as I am sure it will carry on, but I am doing so merely out of respect.
I personally was excited to hear the fruits of Mehdi’s and DJ Riton’s collaboration as Carte Blanche. The initial release from which sounded very promising, especially the filthy banger Gare Du Nord. It turns out that the party where the accident occurred was in celebration of Riton’s birthday. I also had the pleasure of seeing Mehdi perform a few times, once solo and once collectively with friends Cassius, Busy P and Xavier de Rosnay (From Justice) who called themselves Club 75. Both nights we’re spectacular, displaying Mehdi’s profound DJing ability which he enjoyed so much.
The freak accident was caused by the collapse of a plexiglass mezzanine floor at Mehdi’s house, fatally wounding him and sending three of his friends to hospital for treatment. Mehdi was aged 34. Rest in peace.
I will leave you with some Tweets from fellow musicians:
“We lost our brother. No Words.” – Chromeo
“R.I.P. Dj MEHDI. The void he has left behind is unbearable. Love you, Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo” – Bob Cornelius of the Bloody Beetroots
“Rest in peace to my brother forever here and in the after life djmehdi. i love u and miss u.” – Steve Aoki
