If you’ve ever seen Hieroglyphics perform live, you know the energy begins before the first MC grabs the mic. That’s DJ Toure at work — a world-class turntablist whose craft has been the rhythmic backbone of Hiero’s live performances for decades.

Who Is DJ Toure?

DJ Toure (pronounced “Too-ray”) is the official DJ of Hieroglyphics, the Oakland-based independent hip-hop collective founded by Del tha Funkee Homosapien. While the MCs — Del, Tajai, A-Plus, Opio, Phesto, Casual, and Pep Love — carry the lyrical weight, Toure is the architect of the sonic experience that ties their performances together.

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Toure came up in the same underground West Coast hip-hop scene that shaped Hiero. His connection to the crew goes beyond employment — he’s a true member of the collective who shares their values around authenticity, craft, and independence.

The Art of the Live DJ Set

In an era when many rappers perform over pre-recorded tracks, Hieroglyphics has always kept it live. DJ Toure cuts, blends, and scratches in real time — a skill that demands both technical mastery and an intuitive feel for crowd energy.

His sets weave through three decades of Hiero catalog. One moment he’s spinning classic 93 ’til Infinity loops, the next he’s dropping production from 3rd Eye Vision or the Deltron 3030 concept album. The crowd never knows exactly what’s coming next — and that unpredictability is exactly the point.

More Than a DJ

Toure’s role extends beyond turntables. He’s part of the creative conversation, shaping setlists and understanding the arc of a show as a performance, not just a playlist. When Hieroglyphics brings a new city into the fold — at Hiero Day in Oakland, at Red Rocks, at festivals worldwide — Toure is the one who reads the room and makes the adjustments.

Catch DJ Toure Live in 2026

This year offers two massive opportunities to see what Hiero’s live show sounds like at its best:

• Red Rocks 2026 — October 29, 2026, Morrison, CO — with Cypress Hill, Method Man & Redman, De La Soul
• Hiero Day 2026 — Oakland, CA — the annual homecoming festival in Hiero’s backyard

Both shows will feature the full collective, with DJ Toure holding down the 1s and 2s throughout. If you haven’t experienced Hieroglyphics live, 2026 is the year to do it.

Shop Hiero

Want to rep the collective before the show? Head to shophiero.com for official Hieroglyphics merchandise — tees, hoodies, hats, and vinyl.