Dillon Francis
A mischievous DJ who fused Dutch house with reggaeton to create moombahton, then became dance music's meme-loving court jester.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American electronic music producer and DJ·Birthday: October 5·Millennials
Biography
Dillon Francis erupted onto the electronic scene not just with beats, but with a fully formed, absurdist personality. His breakthrough came from slowing down the frenetic pace of Dutch house to match reggaeton's dembow rhythm, birthing the genre known as moombahton and capturing a moment in early 2010s dance music. His productions, like 'MastaBlasta', were both heavy and humorous, a balance he maintained as he pivoted to pop-inflected EDM and trap. Francis's true innovation, however, was in his online persona. Through surreal social media antics, his alter ego DJ Hanzel ('one deeper'), and a relentless stream of memes, he proved an electronic artist could be a premier internet comedian. This savvy blend of music and meme culture allowed him to headline festivals while maintaining an approachable, chaotic vibe, influencing how a generation of producers connects with their audience beyond the music itself.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Dillon was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dillon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Dillon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Pioneered and popularized the moombahton genre with early tracks like 'MastaBlasta' and 'I.D.G.A.F.O.S.'.
- His debut studio album, 'Money Sucks, Friends Rule', reached number one on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart in 2014.
- Became the first electronic music artist to have a show on Apple Music with his series 'IDGAFOS'.
- Headlined major festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza, bringing his high-energy, comedic stage show to global audiences.
Did You Know?
His comedic alter ego is a deep house DJ named DJ Hanzel, who is supposedly 'one deeper' than anyone else.
He is a dedicated fan of the TV show 'The Golden Girls' and has referenced it in his work.
Francis initially wanted to be a film director and studied at the New York Film Academy.
He has a pet French Bulldog named Momo, who frequently appears on his social media.
“I just want to make people happy with my music and also make them laugh.”
