Roc Raida

Roc Raida
Background information
Birth name	Anthony Williams
Also known as	Grandmaster Roc Raida
Born	May 18, 1972
Origin	New York City, New York
Died	September 19, 2009 (aged 37)
Genres	Hip-Hop, Turntablism
Occupations	DJ, Turntablist, Producer
Years active	1989 - 2009
Labels	Asphodel, Loud, Sony, Ipecac, Epic, Columbia, Fat Beats
Associated acts	The X-Ecutioners Rob Swift

Anthony Williams (May 18, 1972 – September 19, 2009), better known as Roc Raida or Grandmaster Roc Raida, was an American DJ, turntablist and producer. He was also a member of the legendary DJ group, The X-Ecutioners.

He joined the X-Men in the late 80s, but due to copyright reasons, they later became known as The X-Ecutioners. The group released three studio albums, 1997's X-Pressions, 2002's Built from Scratch and 2004's Revolutions. In addition to his work with the X-Ecutioners, Roc Raida released albums as a solo artist, his most famous being 2005's Rock Phenomenon, a mash-up album he released with DJ Vlad that blended rock songs with hip hop songs, which won the Mash-Up Mixtape of the Year at the Justo Mixtape Awards. He also produced songs for artists including Ill Al Skratch, Showbiz and A.G., the Jungle Brothers, Mad Skillz and Big Pun, and served as the DJ for Busta Rhymes.

He won the 1995 DMC World DJ Championship and was inducted into the the DMC Hall of Fame four years later. He also appeared in in the 2001 film Scratch.

He died on September 19, 2009 due to complications relating to a mixed-martial-arts accident.

Discography

Solo

• 1997: The Adventures of Roc Raida... One Too Many!
• 2000: Crossfaderz
• 2001: We Them Niggas
• 2003: Champion Sounds
• 2004: Kung Faux
• 2005: Rock Phenomenon which went on to win the Justo Mixtape Awards- Mash Up Mixtape of the Year w/ DJ VLAD
• 2007: Beats, Cuts and Skits

With The X-Ecutioners

• 1997: X-Pressions
• 2002: Built from Scratch
• 2004: Revolutions

References