September 19, 2009... I remember I was spinning in the Marc Echo store in Brandon mall with my man Dj Jimi-O. Out of the blue, the legendary DJ Premier hit me up with some said news.... He told me that DJ Roc Raida had just died... damn it man! I couldn't believe it...
I first met Roc Raida when I booked his crew The X-Men here in Tampa in the late 90's. It was an amazing night for myself and all of the TampaHipHop community. I had remained friends with him since that night; not every day friends, but 'cool Hip Hop friends. I would run into him just about every time I visited NYC and I saw him a couple more times here in Tampa when he was in town.
The last time I saw him was Feb 28th, 2009. I had the pleasure of being the opening DJ for the T.I. Farewell Tour (his last tour before he had to do the prison bid.) A must a shout DJ Ekin for that hook up (he was the host and he brought me along to DJ) Busta Rhymes was also on the bill.... Just as I was finishing up one of my sets, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and it the the Grandmaster himself, DJ Roc Raida. He gave me the Hip Hop pound/hug/handshake and said what's up. We talked for a second as he set up to rock Busta Rhymes set....
Here is the pic we took after the show:
His best friend and group member, DJ Rob Swift always does beautiful dedications to Roc Raida.
Please click here to read this years:
http://www.djrobswift.com/2018/09/19/continue-to-rest-in-peace-roc-raida/
Here is Roc Raida's World Champion Winning Set in 1995
Roc Raida 1996 DMC Set: