New York-based turntable wizards the-X-Ecutioners remain as one of the most respected DJ collectives in the world. Although tragedy struck the crew with the passing of Roc Raida (born Anthony Williams) in 2009, they continue to honor the late turntablist by releasing a new mixtape, Roc For Raida; a fitting tribute to the memory of the late DJ. AllHipHop caught up with DJs Rob Swift and Total Eclipse for an exclusive interview, and their adoration for Grand Master Roc Raida was apparent.
“Roc Raida was one person that influenced me as a man’s man. I’ve known him since I was 18,” DJ Total Eclipse shared with AllHipHop. “Ever since I’ve known him, he has been a big brother to me, whether it’s something that I learned from him about the turntables or about life in general on how to conduct yourself as a person.”
DJ Rob Swift dropped the Roc For Raida mixtape last month along with appearances from Total Eclipse, Precision and Mister Sinister. It was important for Swift to highlight Raida’s achievements beyond the turntables.
“My idea was to compose a mixtape that revolved around the music that Roc Raida made on turntables as far as battle routines and as far as the music that he made for artists,” DJ Rob Swift said. “A lot of people don’t realize that Roc Raida was an amazing producer.”
DJ Grand Master Roc Raida would have been 40 this month.
Fans who wish to download the mixtape can visit DJ Rob Swift’s Bandcamp page. All sales from the tape will benefit DJ Roc Raida’s family.
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Photo: X-Ecutioners
