A-Trak, Lord Finesse and Roc Raida (R.I.P)

They say that the good die young, and that was definitely the case for the legendary Roc Raida, who passed from this mortal plane two years ago. In memoriam, A-Trak will link up with DJ Premier, DJ Stretch Armstrong, and the rest of Roc Raida's crew, X-Ecutioners, for an event to remember the turntablist and pioneer. Tickets are still available for the 10/25 event at Brooklyn Bowl.

A-Trak just played NYC on Saturday night as part of a SPIN CMJ event with the Rapture & Crystal Castles. Pictures HERE.

In related news, Duck Sauce (featuring A-Trak with Armand Van Helden) recently released the new single "Big Bad Wolf" to iTunes. Check out the video below.

Continue reading "Roc Raida tribute/benefit w/ A-Trak, Premier & more this week"

"I am sorry 2 say that on this day at 2:05 Sept 19th we lost another incredible life...Dj Roc Raida died 2day my personal Dj is gone..." -Busta Rhymes

"I feel fortunate to have been able to catch this great man on the tables many times. He is one of a select few who defined the term 'turntablism'" - Black Bubblegum

RIP DJ Roc Raida
(X-ceutioners/X-Men)

he passed today. Was a NYC staple for countless years. He'll be seriously missed. Was a very good guy and always put together great events throughout the city. [Thanksgiving Brown]

Literally one of the single greatest trick DJs of all time, Roc Raida of the legendary X-ecutioners, has passed away. Last week it was being reported that Roc was "admited to the hospital after being involved in a car accident that left him with serious injuries", but today AllHipHop says,

..a representative for the DJ, [said] "Family and friends will miss him dearly. Please give the family their privacy."

The source refused to give details of his illness or injury, or even the cause of Roc Raida's death, but did state that previous reports of an injury during karate class or a car accident were inaccurate.

The rep confirmed that Roc Raida was hospitalized last week, but would only state that the DJ's death was totally "unexpected."

That was quickly followed by an article at Baller Status that says something slightly different:

"Raida was recently in an mixed martial arts accident, something that he has been practicing for several years," a statement from his family read. "Although he had under gone two surgeries with great success, he was released to an inpatient physical therapy facility and was in great spirits the past few days. This morning he started to have complications and passed. The family asks for privacy at this time."

Condolences to his family. Roc Raida RIP.

One of his recent NYC performances took place July 23rd in Crotona Park in the Bronx. In August he toured Canada with Busta Rhymes. Video from the show they played at the Metropolis in Montreal, and more, below...

Continue reading "DJ Roc Raida, RIP"

by Black Bubblegum

DITC

Old school hip hop fans are probably fi'in to go nuts between all the great shows in the next couple months including a big one this weekend at BB King's....

Big Daddy Kane is celebrating "20 years in the game" with the Sound Providers and Connie Price & The Keystones along with special guest DJs Mister Cee (BDK's original DJ), fellow Juice Crew-er Biz Markie, Skaz Digga, and J. Period. Tickets are on sale.

Meanwhile, fellow Juice Crew affiliate Craig G will open for the underappreciated hip hop crew D.I.T.C. will (mostly) reunite on Dec 7th at The Knitting Factory. Look for Lord Finesse, Diamond D, A.G., O.C. + "special guests" to hit the main stage with The Legion. Pray that "special guests" does not mean Fat Joe. Tickets are on sale.

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Continue reading "upcoming (old school) Hip Hop shows in NYC"