dj · producer · rapper

DJ Zirk

Anthony Johnson
Active
1993–present
Neighborhood
Orange Mound
Aliases
Zirk
medium
About

Orange Mound DJ and producer who was guided by DJ Squeeky in his early career and became a key figure in the Orange Mound production scene. He led the 2 Thick Family collective and has claimed his stylistic blueprint directly influenced DJ Paul and Juicy J's approach to production. His 1993 release "Lock 'Em in the Trunk" is among his most referenced early works. He operated within the same geographic and social network as DJ Squeeky, helping to establish Orange Mound as a distinct production identity within Memphis rap.

Groups
Labels
Relationships
mentored
DJ Squeeky
Per Trunk Music Tapes: Zirk 'guided DJ Squeeky in early days'
rivalry
DJ Paul
'Lock Em in the Trunk' (1993) was a diss aimed at DJ Paul, Juicy J, and Skinny Pimp
collaboration
collaboration
Big Hill
DJ Zirk appeared on Big Hill's Management album
rivalry
Juicy J
Filed class-action royalty lawsuit against DJ Paul and Juicy J; announced victory 2021
collaboration
Radical T
DJ Zirk handled turntables on Radical But Critical
signed to
Criminal Manne
Criminal Manne part of DJ Zirk's 2 Thick Records roster
collaboration
Chilly D
Both from Orange Mound; overlapping scene
collaboration
Kilo G
Appeared alongside DJ Zirk on DJ Squeeky's Drink a Yak and other tracks
collaboration
Buckshot
DJ Zirk produced Strapped With Them Thangz; also featured on 2 Thick track
collaboration
Primo
Appeared on DJ Zirk's Born 2 Lose with Criminal Manne (WhoSampled)
collaboration
Tinimaine
Featured on DJ Zirk productions; Da Bizness, Trust Issuez with 2 Thick Family