October

R.I.P.  DJ Mr. Magic October 9th, 2009

“Every Saturday ‘Rap Attack,’ Mr. Magic, Marley Marl …” — Notorious B.I.G., “Juicy”

Biggie immortalized him in rhyme, but by the time the Brooklyn MC name-checked Mr. Magic on 1994’s Ready to Die, the DJ was already a living legend. It was confirmed that Mr. Magic passed away Friday, October 2nd  after suffering a heart attack.

Magic, born John Rivas, was a pioneer in hip-hop and made his mark as the first DJ to host a mixshow hour on commercial radio, which was revolutionary in the early 1980s but as common as a rap CD with a “Parental Advisory” sticker on it today. Back in 1982 when Mr. Magic, along with Marley Marl as his DJ and Tyrone “Fly Ty” Williams as co-producer, kick-started “Rap Attack,” the program’s launch was arguably as significant to music history as when the Moonman planted the MTV flag in outer space.

“Rap Attack” was a cultural touchstone fondly remembered by countless rappers, breakdancers, journalists and fans who were transfixed by the early sounds of hip-hop transmitted through their speakers by Mr. Magic.

Aside from the musical nods (”Juicy” and Whodini’s “Magic’s Wand”), Magic was also known for his part in the watershed battle between the Juice Crew — founded by Marley Marl and featuring Big Daddy Kane, Craig G. and Kool G Rap — and KRS-One’s Boogie Down Productions.

“He was known for his direct and sarcastic attitude on the air,” he wrote. “And every artist wanted his approval when it came to breaking new records.”

He was hip-hop’s Walter Cronkite and a respected voice gone far too soon. May his wand rest in peace.

R.I.P. DJ Grand Master Roc Raida

October 19th will be a month since the passing of Harlem’s own DJ Grand Master Roc Raida aka Anthony Williams. He passed on Saturday, September 19, 2009 from cardiac arrest resulting from injuries he suffered in an accident while training in Krav Maga, a type self-defense system that he had been studying weekly for the last two years.

He began DJing at the age of 12, spinning at local parties around Harlem. In 1995, Roc Raida represented the United States at the DMC World DJ Championships and won. He was the first DJ from New York City to hold this title and was automatically inducted into the DMC/Technics DJ Hall of Fame. In 2001, he appeared in the movie Scratch.

Throughout his life, he lived his passion – being a professional Hip Hop DJ.  Williams was honored to have worked with recording artists including Showbiz & AG, Lord Finesse, Kool G Rap, D.I.T.C., Big L and most recently, he toured exclusively with Busta Rhymes.

Roc Raida was given his name by former group member MC Sergio of Harlem NY. The two toured through Harlem performing at multiple night clubs before Raida went on to join the X-Men with Sean C, Johnny Cash, Steve D, Diamond J, DMD, Rob Swift, Mr Sinister, Dr.Butcher, GM Spin, Fatman Scoop (which later became the X-Ecutioners).

There will be Hip Hop Tribute for Roc Raida at SOB’s on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009. For more details click here