DJ Mehdi dead at 34

By Jen Boyles Tue., Sep. 13 2011 at 9:50 AM

Categories: Obituary

Pin It

RIP DJ Mehdi

The man known to dance music fans across the world as DJ Mehdi has passed away. Reports from Resident Advisor indicate Mehdi Favéris-Essadi, 34, fell through the roof of his home with several friends as they were celebrating producer Riton's birthday. All but Riton fell, and the others were hospitalized.

Riton and Mehdi made up the 'Carte Blanche' moniker, and a tour promoting the duo brought them to Minneapolis at the 7th St Entry last summer.

Mehdi was widely respected as a collaborator with house giants Daft Punk and Cassius, and he was a bright spot on popular French record label Ed Banger.

News of Mehdi's death circulated on Twitter this morning via a tweet by friend DJ Cut Killer, followed by stateside electro duo Chromeo, who worked with Medhi on "I Am Somebody" in 2006. A slew of electronic music labels, magazines and fans are also tweeting about the loss.

We lost our brother. No words.less than a minute ago via UberSocial for BlackBerry Favorite Retweet ReplyChromeo
Chromeo

It's really terrible to hear the news about the untimely death of DJ Mehdi. RIP.less than a minute ago via Twitter for Mac Favorite Retweet ReplyDefected Records
DefectedRecords

Mehdi's most popular work was a cut he did for Ed Banger featuring Daft Punk's Thomas Bangalter (video below). He was known for using sweeping, '80s-inspired snyths and was an integral force in mid-'00s when "blog-house" surged to popularity. He loved hip-hop growing up in the suburbs of Paris, and was an early fan of Public Enemy and Wu-Tang Clan (remixing Ghostface Killah in 2008). His fun and energetic style behind the DJ booth will be missed.

Mehdi is survived by his wife, the French model and street artist, Fafi.

DJ Mehdi and Busy P

"Like" Gimme Noise on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at @gimme_noise.

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Music Newsletter: Keep your thumb on the local music scene with music features, additional online music listings and show picks. We'll also send special ticket offers and music promotions available only to our Music Newsletter subscribers.