ABOUT Nathanial Harris
aka ‘DJ Nate the Great’
Nathaniel L. Harris, known professionally as DJ Nate the Great, is a Cincinnati-born turntablist whose four-decade journey reflects a lifelong devotion to music, culture, and community. Musically inclined since childhood, he grew up surrounded by sound— from early childhood; singing and dancing to the music his mother played, performing with the Cincinnati Boy Choir from age 10 - 14, and marching with his high school marching band grades 7–12, including two years as Drum Major. His path as a DJ began at age 13, when he received his first pair of turntables, Christmas Day 1986, blending beats with natural precision that morning, which would define his signature style.
Rooted in Hip Hop turntablism, Nate the Great brings scratching, mixing, blending, seamless transitions, and professionalism to every performance. His approach transcends genres, including Hip-Hop, Jazz, Pop, Disco, R&B, Classic Rock, Afrobeats, Reggae, and Classic Breakbeats to create fresh musical experiences. As a mobile DJ and turntablist, he has built a reputation for versatility, technical mastery, and an ability to energize audiences of all ages.
His career took off at Bowling Green State University, where he became the primary DJ for Black Greek organizations and campus events 1993–1997. After graduating from BGSU and returning to Cincinnati, his influence remained and expanded across Ohio and Northern Kentucky regional universities including UC, Xavier, NKU, Miami University, and the University of Toledo. From 1999–2006, he was one of the most in-demand DJs on the college circuit before transitioning into nightlife, corporate events, and large-scale public community events as well.
DJ Nate the Great has been an integral part of the Cincinnati Hip Hop Scene for years, originally starting as DJ for the local Hip Hop Group Superpowers in 1998, he’s worked with local Hip Hop artists such as Jay-Whiz, Sons of Silverton, Animal Crackers, and was a founding member of the short-lived 3-manDJ Crew N.B.C. (Nate | Biz | Cue Dawg). Nate the Great still performs Hip Hop sets for local Hip Hop Shows, and has also hosted a monthly Hip Hop Lounge, where the only music played is old and new Hip Hop and Sampled Music.
Today, DJ Nate the Great is a fixture in Cincinnati’s cultural landscape, with 40 years behind the turntables, continuing to evolve, while honoring the art form that shaped him. Whether performing at universities, corporate events, festivals, or family-oriented celebrations, he brings unmatched energy, musical knowledge, and authenticity—creating experiences that resonate across generations.