KHALIL ASMALL and RAJ CHAUDHURI

CO-founders, livin’ proof

Khalil, Raj (aka Rags) and their friends Budgie and Snips have been putting on LIVIN’ PROOF’s cult hip-hop parties for more than a decade. Ironically, they started spinning records together when London’s hip hop scene was in decline. But as it flourished again, so did their reputation: with LIVIN’ PROOF now considered the best, most lively hip-hop night in the city.

Khalil and Rags are both native Londoners, each bringing their own musical influences to the table. Rags is a known tastemaker in front of and behind the decks – while Khalil is a long-time DJ whose eclectic sets mirror his exposure to London’s multicultural music and creative influences. As a foursome, their extensive love of hip hop led them to be the first DJs to champion US rap in London: platforming artists like A$AP Rocky, MF DOOM and Danny Brown long before they were big. Frank Ocean, Just Blaze, Hudson Mohawke and Schoolboy Q have also graced early LIVIN PROOF shows. Until very recently, Rags, Khalil, Budgie and Snips hosted a monthly show on NTS Radio. They’re also still throwing 700-people LIVIN PROOF parties at Village Underground, Oval Space and elsewhere.