Marcellus Pittman

When other children were playing combat with G.I. Joe action figures in the early 1980s, Detroit native Marcellus “Malik” Pittman was playing his radio at maximum volume, listening to the sounds of The Wizard and the Electrifying Mojo, in addition to the jazz outputs of Rosetta Hines.

Malik began his DJ pursuits at college parties, wedding receptions, and “old school” parties in the early 1990s. In 1993, Malik released his initial production work with the local hip-hop collective Home Grown.

Shortly thereafter, he released Essential Selections, Vol. 1 on the Sound Signature label, headed by Theo Parrish. In 1998, Malik forged a working relationship with Rick Wilhite, Theo Parrish, and Kenny “Moodymann” Dixon, collectively known as the 3 Chairs. As production artists and selectors, they have helped to define an integral part of the Detroit sound. Malik’s sound has been heard throughout Detroit and the surrounding areas, as well as internationally, spanning Canada, the UK, Germany, Japan, and Paris.