William Sami Étienne Grigahcine, born on June 13, 1986, professionally known as DJ Snake, hails from Paris, France, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the global music scene.
Debuting internationally in 2013 with the singles "Bird Machine" and "Turn Down for What," DJ Snake quickly garnered attention. "Bird Machine," a collaboration with French musician Alesia, was released by Mad Decent, a Los Angeles-based record label run by Diplo, in February 2013. His talent caught the eye of Diplo, who invited DJ Snake to perform a live mix on his radio show, "Diplo & Friends," on BBC Radio 1 in June 2013.
DJ Snake's collaboration with Diplo materialized as the 2015 single "Lean On," featuring MØ and Diplo's Major Lazer, along with former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton. This collaboration marked a significant moment in his career, showcasing his versatility and international appeal.
Born to Algerian parents in Paris and raised in the banlieue district of Ermont, DJ Snake's early influences include scenes from the French film "La Haine" and hip-hop artists like KRS-One and Cypress Hill. Starting as a graffiti artist, his knack for evading the police earned him the moniker "Snake." DJ Snake began DJing at 14 and producing at 19.
His journey in the music industry includes notable achievements, such as producing for Lady Gaga's album "Born This Way" in 2011, earning a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. DJ Snake's remixes for artists like Kanye West, AlunaGeorge, Duck Sauce, and Major Lazer further solidified his reputation.
In 2013, "Turn Down for What," DJ Snake's collaboration with Lil Jon, became a massive hit, earning gold and platinum certifications. The song's success, along with the release of "Get Low" with Dillon Francis in 2014, contributed to DJ Snake's rising profile.
The remix of AlunaGeorge's "You Know You Like It" in 2014 and the collaborative track "Lean On" in 2015 showcased DJ Snake's ability to blend European dance music with hip-hop beats. "Lean On" became Spotify's most-streamed song at the time, surpassing 2 billion views on YouTube.
DJ Snake's album "Encore," released in 2016, featured the hit single "Let Me Love You" with Justin Bieber. He continued to make waves with performances at iconic locations, including the Arc de Triomphe in support of Paris' bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
In 2018, DJ Snake's collaboration with Selena Gomez, Cardi B, and Ozuna resulted in the hit song "Taki Taki," further solidifying his status as a global music sensation.
