Marquette Hawkins

Marquette "Marq" Hawkins, also known professionally as DJ Cli-N-Tel, is an American rapper, music producer, professor, and politician currently serving as the Mayor of California City, California since 2024. Hawkins was elected in the 2024 California City mayoral election. He is a former member of hip-hop group World Class Wreckin' Cru with Dr. Dre.

Early life and education

Hawkins was a child actor at six months old, appearing on at least one television show. He also acted in school as well as church plays. He was influenced by Miss L. Brown, the English and drama teacher at his junior high, Vanguard Junior High School in Compton, California, to act in a school play called As Sure As You're Born. He won Best Supporting Actor for his role when the play was taken to a city-wide competition. Following this, Hawkins begged his mother to take him on auditions. However, upon hearing "Rapper's Delight" for the first time, Hawkins felt he wanted to pursue rap. From there, he and his friends formed a group and entered into talent shows. Hawkins's friend would tap dance, Hawkins's cousin would beatbox, and Hawkins would rap over the beat. Hawkins was a writer on all seven tracks to the group's debut album, World Class. During this time, Hawkins mentored a young Ice Cube and Sir Jinx, teaching them how to rap.

After leaving World Class Wreckin' Cru, Hawkins started his own label, his own film production company for music video work, and began writing scripts. In 1994, Hawkins was a producer on Concrete Roots, a compilation album by Dr. Dre.

Hawkins attended California State University, Fullerton and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies. He later earned a Master's in Education from the University of Phoenix.

Career Hawkins worked as a teacher and professor and served on school councils and cultural advisory boards

Personal life Hawkins is a father.

Electoral history