DJ Shadow, born Josh Davis on June 29, 1972 in San Jose, California, is a pioneering American DJ, producer, and instrumental hip-hop legend. His music career began in the early 1990s as a radio DJ at UC Davis before releasing genre‑defining singles like “In/Flux” and “Lost and Found” on the Solesides label. His 1996 debut album Endtroducing…..—built entirely from samples—revolutionized the art of sampling and secured him critical acclaim and a place in the Guinness World Records. Over the ensuing decades he released influential albums including The Private Press and Our Pathetic Age, collaborating with artists like Nas, Run the Jewels, and De La Soul. Shadow is revered for his encyclopedic crate‑digging, eclectic soundscapes spanning soul, funk, jazz, and electronic, and his embrace of instrumental storytelling. His 2023 album Action Adventure further cemented his role as an innovator, continuing to inspire generations of producers and DJs worldwide.