The passing of New York dance legend Raymond “Voodoo Ray” Ultarte has rocked the Hip-Hop nation after news began to spread via social media Tuesday (Oct. 18). Over the course of a three-decade career, Voodoo Ray starred in a number of videos and was a fixture in the city’s dance and club scene.
XXL reports:
Throughout his career, Ray, Ray, born name Raymond Ultarte, showcased his top-tier footwork in visuals for some of the biggest musicians in the world, including the likes of JAY-Z (“Sunshine”), MC Lyte (“Ice Cream Dream”), Run-DMC (“It’s Like That”), Mariah Carey (“Honey,” “The Roof”), Wyclef Jean (“Trying to Stay Alive,” “Pussycat”), Backstreet Boys (“Larger Than Life”), Black Moon (“Two Turntables & a Mic”), Bounty Killer (“It’s a Party”), Rah Digga (“Party and Bullshit”), Nikki D (“Wasted”), Busta Rhymes (“Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See”), Cuban Link (“Scandalous”), Doug E. Fresh (“Busting Out”), Monie Love (“Born 2 B.R.E.E.D.”) and more.
A fixture of the N.Y. nightlife, helped book countless DJs to spin at parties over the years. He also made a name appearing in music videos throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Along with DJ Tony Touch, Ray also hosted NYC’s famous Funkbox dance parties.
According to the outlet, Ultarte was 50 years of age.
We’ve collected some of the reactions from those who knew Ray via social media below, and on the following pages. May Voodoo Ray dance and rest in peace.
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Photo: Instagram
