The Grand Master Roc Raida Tribute at the Tableturns Reunion will bring together many of the biggest names and crews in the art form of Turntablism including Raida's fellow crew members from the X-Men and the X-ecutioners. Other DJs scheduled to rock out their respects include his fellow World DJ battle champions: Craze, A-Trak, DJ Shiftee plus DJ Scratch, DJ Dummy, DJ I-Dee, The Beat Junkies: Babu, J.Rocc, Shortkut and Rhettmatic; DJ Slyce, Roli Rho, DJ Z-Trip and a very special performance by MC legends: D.I.T.C.

Tableturns, founded by Doug "Sugarcuts" Cohen, was the World's first open turntable event. It occurred monthly from March, 1997 through March, 1999 at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York City. Not only did it markedly boost the skill level of DJs across the tri-state area, it became an institution!

Since Roc Raida's unexpected passing on Sept. 19th, 2009, at the peak of his career (the 1995 DMC World Champion was DJing for Busta Rhymes) famous friends across the world have organized fundraiser/tributes for his wife and children. The outpouring of sympathy and love has been tremendous. The event on Oct. 22nd will be followed by another star studded fundraiser in NYC on Nov. 25th at the Nokia Theater. His wife and daughters have also announced that they will continue the very special DJ battle that he created and organized since 2006: Roc Raida's Gong DJ Battle.

DJ 3D, who recently performed at a Roc Raida tribute, stated to Hip-Hop Wired,

“Roc Raida was a true leader of innovation. When I met him years ago, he was the first DJ I saw that combined beat juggling and body tricks. He thrived to be the best and he was indeed a threat to several DJs who attempted to battle him. The thing I liked most about Roc Raida is that he was an amazing battle DJ who knew how to rock a party.”

Friends who wish to organize a tribute/fundraiser should respectfully seek permission first, from his family, by writing to roc4raida@gmail.com. Friends who want to make a donation can log on to paypal.com and direct funds to the address: ladietye@yahoo.com. Please support a fundraiser near you and stay posted to myspace.com/rocraida for any and all official information released by his family.

Top 10 Playlist

1. "10 Bricks"- Raekwon
2. "Everything, Everyday, Everywhere" - Fabolous
3. "D.O.A." - Jay-Z
4. "Venus vs Mars" - Jay-Z
5. "Street Life" - M.O.P.
6. "U Phucc'd Up" - Blaq Poet
7. "Making Your Way In The World" - DJ Spinna
8. "Viva El Fantastico" - Chicago Picasso
9. "Successful " - Drake
10. "Enter Galactic (Love Connection Pt1)" - Kid Cudi

HipHopWired: How did you get your name?

DJ 3D: At one point I was named "Devastating Doc Dre" and I thought it was too long so I reduced it mathematically to DJ 3D.

HipHopWired: How old were you when you got your first set of turntables?  What was the first record you bought with your own money?

DJ 3D: I was about 16 years old when I got my first set of tables.  The first record I purchased was "T La Rock - It's Yours".

HipHopWired: You're pretty accomplished.  Tell us about your project with Carlos Berrios and what was it like to be nominated for a Grammy.

DJ 3D: Thank you, but I still have work to do. Carlos and I met through a mutual acquaintance. After he understood what I did, we decided that it would be a great idea to work together.

Carlos wanted a Hip-Hop flavor in the freestyle music he created. So we put our heads together and figured out how we could merge  both things.  It was a combination of freestyle beats with rare breaks and beats. Lisette Melendez, Corina, etc. where the beneficiaries of our creations.

Being nominated for a Grammy gave me a great feeling of gratitude that no one can take away.

HipHopWired: Who were the DJs that made you want to be a DJ?

DJ 3D: Throughout the years I'm reminded of the "want" through the greatness of Clark Kent, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kenny Dope, DJ Terry Hunter, Roc Raida (RIP), and DJ A.Vee to name a few. In the beginning, I was inspired by Red Alert, Marley Marl, and Chuck Chillout.

HipHopWired: You've traveled all over the world as a DJ.  What are the differences between spinning in the United States, Europe and Asia?

DJ 3D: In most states in the US, a DJ is someone who plays music for people. Overseas, in Europe and Asia, DJs are artists performing for an audience.

HipHopWired: You are a producer and a DJ.  Can you tell us what the relationship is between the two for you?  Can you speak on what you like and dislike most about both occupations?

DJ 3D: Bars and measures are the relatives and music theory is the grandparent. I love the freedom of expression that comes with being both a DJ and producer. As a producer it's difficult dealing with artists and as a DJ the challenges are with lack of venues and the ignorance and arrogance of promoters.

HipHopWired: The DJ used to be the central figure in Hip-Hop, but obviously that has since changed.  Now the rapper is the central figure.  What are your thoughts on that shift in the culture and the DJ's current position in Hip Hop?

DJ 3D: I think the DJ scene changed because DJs stopped performing and now most of them just play music. Now a days, it's a show, the MC/rappers are the lead singers and the DJ is the band, but it doesn't bother me at all because I'm going to put in the work and entertain no matter what.

HipHopWired: It's been said that everybody has a "hot 16" in them somewhere dying to get out.  Have you ever wanted to rap?  Did you ever breakdance or do graffiti too?

DJ 3D:  hahahaah. I never had the urge to rap!  But I used to breakdance with this guy name flex from my old neighborhood (East New York, What up East Medina!!), and I did a little graffiti back in the day, it was the "in" thing at the time.  I just loved music more than all of those things.

HipHopWired: For those who don't know can you explain what Serato is, tell us if you use it and tell us what effect you think it's having on the DJ game.

DJ 3D: Serato is my blood line and is one of the greatest inventions of our time! Without getting too technical, Serato trades in the record crates for a computer and encodes digital music files to "talk" to specially designed vinyl which allows you to scratch and spin. It's changed the game a lot, aside from being able to bring my entire music library with me I can also sort songs by BPMs and mix Duke Ellington with Jay-Z.

HipHopWired: You stay busy.  You manage to be the resident DJ at APT nightclub in New York City, as a part of The Ill Out Party with DJ Prince Paul and DJ A.Vee and on The Underground Railroad, the longest running hip-hop radio show in NYC history.  Tell us about the other projects you're currently working on.  

DJ 3D: I'm currently planning a mini tour hitting France and Amsterdam and am looking forward to going back to China. The last time I was there, DJ Jazzy Jeff and I were spinning the same week and it was a lot of fun. Muzikman Edition has a lot of exciting things going on with a lot upcoming releases. I just finished a remix from the 90's group "Bas Noir" that is being released on Kenny Dope's Ill Friction label. I also have a release on Soul Heaven Records with Mishal Moore.

HipHopWired: You play different genres of music.  How and when do you decide what your playlist will be?  Do you feel restricted as a DJ if you have to stick to any one genre?

DJ 3D:  I usually plan my set at home and leave room on the list just in case I change my mind while spinning.  I never feel restricted in one genre because even in one genre there are different rhythms and feels throughout.

HipHopWired: You recently did a tribute show for DJ Roc Raida.  Would you like to say some words about pioneer and let those who have only heard of him now know about his importance?

DJ 3D: Roc Raida was a true leader of innovation. When I met him years ago, he was the first DJ I saw that combined beat juggling and body tricks. He thrived to be the best and he was indeed a threat to several djs who attempted to battle him. The thing I liked most about Roc Raida is that he was an amazing battle dj who knew how to rock a party.

HipHopWired: Would you like to offer any advice to anyone wanting to be a DJ? 

DJ 3D: Learn music theory and some beat structure. Listen to all genres and pay your dues first, you'll be happy you did down the road. Most of all, love music as much as I do and no matter what you spin on, Keep it real on the wheels!

For bookings contact: Premiere Artists Group premiereartistsgroup.com
Send questions or comments: dj3dnyc@me.com

"I am sorry 2 say that on this day at 2:05 Sept 19th we lost another incredible life...Dj Roc Raida died 2day my personal Dj is gone... I just wanna thank everyone 4 ur love and support and ur prayers...We will never let ur name die Roc...We love u and will 4ever miss u...RIP." ~Busta Rhymes' Twitter

The Legendary Grand Master Roc Raida was a member of the New York-based crew the X-Men who later became known as the X-ecutioners. Champions of furthering the turntablist movement, the X-Ecutioners made their reputation by utilizing the techniques of beat-juggling; the manual alteration between individual kick and snare sounds to create original drum patterns in real time.

DJ Roc Raida was one of the pioneers in the underground art of Turntablism. His style was aggressive and determined in a turntable battle. He pushed the limits and raised the standards for all those that competed with them.

"yesterday i shouted out dj's across the world, dj am and dj jam master jay, today i say rest in peace to a close friend dj roc raider!!!! dj roc raider was a real beast at his talent, and a very humble soldier, i will miss the homie, im deeply sadden, god bless his soul." ~Kid Capri's Twitter

His impressive finishes in some of the premier DJ battles; first place in the 1991 "As One"; second place in the "Superman Battle"; and second place in the 1992 DMC US Finals were just the beginning. In 1995 Raida, was crowned the DMC World Champion in front of a massive London audience.

Two years ago on a panel at the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Raida was appointed "Grandmaster," by some of Hip-Hop's founding fathers. Raida was also inducted into the DMC Hall of Fame at the 1999 DMC World Finals in New York City.

He was also Busta Rhymes DJ as recently as 2 weeks ago. DJ Roc Raida, a longtime practitioner of mixed martial arts, was recently in a related accident and there are reports of a spine injury. The legend was said to be on the mend, in physical and in good spirits therapy before dying suddenly.

By all accounts DJ Roc Raida was a great and humble guy and will be missed by many in the Hip Hop community. Hiphopwired.com will keep you posted with more details as they become available.