Roc Raida

New York-based turntablist/DJ legend, Grandmaster Roc Raida, has passed away on 19th September 2009, at the age of 37, leaving behind his wife and three daughters. His death has allegedly been due to complications arising from two surgeries he had gone through for an injury he suffered during mixed martial arts training.

Roc Raida was part of the legendary crew, The X-Ecutioners, together with Rob Swift, Total Eclipse and Mista Sinista. He had won numerous DMC World and ITF championships and was well-known for his creativity on the decks and finesse, through acrobatic cuts on the decks.

Grandmaster Roc Raida, has served as an inspiration to many turntablists/DJs over the years, including myself. I was flabbergasted when I heard of his death. I remembered the times when I used to watch his videos and tried to learn his tricks, often to no avail. Still, the influence and inspiration he had on me was tremendous and with his passing, millions of fans would mourn over the loss of a Grandmaster.

R.I.P. Grandmaster Roc Raida