DJ Bobcat facts for kids

Bobby Ervin (born December 13, 1967), known as Bobcat or DJ Bobcat, is an American record producer, songwriter, DJ, and music executive. He is famous for helping to produce LL Cool J's 1990 song "Mama Said Knock You Out". This song won a Grammy Award and is still one of the most popular hip hop songs ever.

Bobcat has worked with many important people in music. These include Clive Davis, Russell Simmons, Rick Rubin, and Madonna. He was also part of the production team L.A. Posse with DJ Pooh.

Musical Career

Starting Out with Uncle Jamm's Army

DJ Bobcat has been involved in hip hop music since the early 1980s. He started his career in Los Angeles as a DJ. He promoted shows for early West Coast music stars like Run–D.M.C., Whodini, and Ice-T. This helped to create the hip hop scene on the West Coast.

When he was 15, DJ Bobcat did not have professional DJ equipment. He was also not tall enough to reach the turntables. So, he stood on a milk crate to DJ! Later, he worked with Big Daddy Productions and Uncle Jamm's Army. Ice-T's DJ, Chris "The Glove" Taylor, taught him how to use a special mixer.

Roger Clayton, who started Uncle Jamm's Army, would fly to the East Coast. He would find the newest underground records there and bring them back to Los Angeles. Bobcat and The Egyptian Lover would play these records first. They would introduce them at the big Uncle Jamm's Dances. These events drew over 15,000 people in the early 1980s.

Forming the California Catt Crew

Because he was part of Uncle Jamm's Army, Bobcat was very popular. He was booked for many parties, sometimes two to six every weekend. He decided to create his own group of DJs. This group would have his unique sound and scratching style. He called it the California Catt Crew.

The crew included Bobcat, Battlecat, Dr. Scratch Kat, and others. Bobcat helped book shows for these DJs across Southern California. He also gave them advice about the music business. During this time, Bobcat recorded a song called "The Bobcat Song & the California Catt Crew."

Pioneering Radio with Mix Masters

Bobcat helped start the world's first 24-hour hip hop radio station, 1580 KDAY. He worked with Uncle Jamm's Army, Greg Mack, and Jack Patterson. This changed how radio worked. They introduced and pioneered the Saturday Night Mix Show and Traffic Jam. Before this, radio mainly played traditional R&B music. Very little rap music was played.

Bobcat came up with the idea and name "Mix Masters" for Greg Mack at KDAY. This new radio format had a huge impact. It changed how many radio stations around the world viewed and played hip hop music. Uncle Jamm's Army and the Wrecking Crew were key groups in early West Coast hip hop. The Mix Masters were the next generation of DJs.

Success with Def Jam Records

After becoming famous on the West Coast, Bobcat and his group L.A. Posse went to New York City. They started working with music leaders Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen at Def Jam Records. Bobcat wrote and produced songs for LL Cool J. These songs included "I Need Love", "I'm Bad", and "Jack the Ripper."

The album Bigger and Deffer sold over 3 million copies. Many people consider it some of LL Cool J's best work.

The Story Behind "I Need Love"

Bobcat wrote the melody for "I Need Love" when he was 16 years old. It was originally a different song called "Friends By Day, Lovers By Night." This song was Bobcat's version of "Secret Lovers" by Atlantic Starr.

"I Need Love" has been used in other songs more than almost any other rap song. Many artists have sampled or remade it. These include Jermaine Dupri, Usher, Master P, and Kris Kross.

Touring the World with Def Jam

LL Cool J asked Bobcat to join the famous Def Jam Tour. Bobcat became the DJ and music supervisor for the tour. He also helped design LL Cool J's stage shows. He traveled all over the world, DJing and managing the sound and lighting.

The Def Jam Tour was one of the most successful hip hop tours ever. It earned over $20 million from ticket sales worldwide. The tour played huge sold-out shows across the US and Europe. Famous artists on the tour included Eric B & Rakim, Public Enemy, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, N.W.A, and Run–D.M.C.. LL Cool J was the main performer.

Cat Got Ya Tongue Album

In 2022, Bobcat became an Arista recording artist. He toured the country performing songs from his album, Cat Got Ya Tongue. He shared the stage with groups like New Edition and Jody Watley.

That same year, the Atlanta City Council honored Bobcat. They gave him a special award for making a positive album. They also recognized him for being a good influence and role model in the community.

Business Ventures

The Foundation

Bobcat and his wife, Chanel Ervin, started a global entertainment company called The Foundation. This company mainly helps DJs and producers. It also markets and promotes new and established music artists.

The Digital Record Pool

The Digital Record Pool is an online music service. It is also an online community for music artists. It connects thousands of DJs, music directors, and producers. It also includes tastemakers, music lovers, journalists, and bloggers from all over the world.

Bobcat is the founder and CEO of this service. He says he created it to help new artists and independent music labels. His goal is to help them get as much attention as possible.

Digital DJ Team

Bobcat and The Foundation Entertainment Agency launched an international DJ team. This team promotes new music, media, brands, and technologies globally. Bobcat is the founder and general manager. His wife, Chanel Ervin, is the President of Marketing.