The Gaslamp Killer

The Gaslamp Killer (born William Benjamin Bensussen) is an underground hip hop DJ based in Los Angeles, California. Bensussen grew up in San Diego, California, where he began listening to Too Short, Jimi Hendrix, and Dr. Dre. After being influenced by DJ Shadow, he became a DJ in San Diego’s Gaslamp district when he was 17. His unique sets often ruined the pop music vibe in the clubs, earning him the nickname “The Gaslamp Killer.” He has released two EPs and an album, Breakthrough, on Brainfeeder, a record label founded by Flying Lotus.

Guest Appearances

October 31, 2012

Welcome to the first episode of SHOTS FIRED, a weekly look into what’s good, what’s bad, and what’s weird in the world of hip-hop, hosted by music journalist Jeff Weiss and underground hip-hop star MC Nocando. Today the duo explore the meaning of the word “Fanute” coined by French Montana, talk about the history of Swag Dracula, and discuss the possibility of Nas using ghostwriters. Underground DJ (and co-founder of L.A. hip-hop mainstay The Low End Theory) the Gaslamp Killer drops by to tell us how he met Gonjasufi, describes getting his life together after hitting rock bottom, and plays some tracks off his latest album “Breakthrough.” New episodes drop Thursdays, so be sure to listen to Shots Fired on Earwolf.com and iTunes!