Farid has been the owner and music curator of Eighteenth Street Lounge in Washington, DC since it opened in 1995. He has over 25 years of entrepreneurial and management experience.
Growing up in the outskirts of DC, Farid attended the University of Maryland. Realizing that music was his passion, he scored his first deejay gig in 1991.
Farid went on to release multiple EPs, and 12” singles, followed by numerous appearances on various worldwide music compilations. He has two excellent 12 records titled Crowd Control and Dealer's Choice on ESL Music. His follow-up work Main Ingredient and Adventures On The Green Line were both released on Rhythm & Culture Recordings. He also collaborates on Disco edits under Chocolate City Tracks.

Farid Ali is the best DJ in the world, says Eric Hilton of Thievery Corporation. His feel for and knowledge of music, his taste, timing, and mixing ability are all uncanny.

Of course, Farid and Eric have been good friends for over ten years but his claims are still quite valid. Farid has been the head resident at ESL since the club opened in 1995 and he's been creating amazing sonic soundscapes ever since. Farid has two excellent 12 records entitled Crowd Control and Dealer's Choice on ESL Music and Main Ingredient on Rhythm & Culture Recordings.

Farid is also an accomplished house dj and is directly responsible for the success of ESL - affiliated club, Red. With DJs like 95 North, Tony Humphries, Thomas Blondet, Basement Boys, and Sam The Man Burns, Farid created a vibrant scene for high quality, underground house music.