Within a month of each other, both Dj's AM and GRAND MASTER ROC RAIDA have left us.
I was first in shock when my sister texted me about DJ AM's death on August 28th, 2009. This was taken from Rolling Stone magazine on August 28th 2009:
DJ AM, born Adam Goldstein, has been found dead in his New York apartment, police sources tell TMZ. The 36-year-old DJ, mostly known for his work with Blink-182’s Travis Barker and handling the music at big-name celebrity hot-spots, last tweeted some Grandmaster Flash lyrics from “New York, New York” — “New york, new york. Big city of dreams, but everything in new york aint always what it seems” — on August 25th. Sources tell TMZ he hadn’t been heard from in several days, and police broke down the door of his apartment when a friend knocked and got no answer. His rep issued a statement that confirms his death and adds, “The circumstances surrounding his death are unclear. Out of respect for his family and loved ones, please respect their privacy at this time.”
And now another "GREAT" has passed. Dj Roc Raida formerly of the X-Ecutioners passed away on September 19th 2009. Here is a statement from MTV on Roc's death:
In another terrible loss for the hip-hop community, Grand Master Roc Raida (real name: Anthony Williams) of the X-Ecutioners passed away on Saturday due to complications from a mixed-martial-arts accident, according to a statement released by his family. Raida had a two-decade career, which skyrocketed in 1995 when he won the DMC World DJ Championship. He released seven solo albums along with several LPs with his famed crew, the X-Ecutioners. Over the last few years, Raida had been Busta Rhymes' live DJ, where his showmanship skills were a perfect marriage for Busta and Spliff Starr's energetic stage antics.
A statement released by Raida's family over the weekend reads: "Anthony Williams [professionally known] to the world as the Legendary Grand Master Roc Raida has passed away unexpectedly today, September 19, 2009. He is survived by his wife, three lovely daughters, mother and friends. Raida was recently in a mixed-martial-arts accident, something that he has been practicing for several years. Although he had undergone two surgeries with great success, was released to an inpatient physical therapy facility and was in great spirits the past few days, this morning he started to have complications and passed. The family asks for privacy at this time."
Busta Rhymes wrote a series of messages about Raida on his Twitter account.
"I am sorry to say that on this day at 2:05, Sept 19th we lost another incredible life ... DJ Roc Raida died today. My personal DJ is gone ..." Rhymes wrote. "I just wanna thank everyone for your love and support and your prayers ... We will never let your name die Roc ... We love u and will forever miss u ... RIP.
"I never met a more humble man in the industry," he continued. "So unbelievably talented and most importantly such beautiful spirit. I love you my brother. I will never let your name die DJ Roc Raida! We love you, we miss you and we'll never stop reppin' you!"
At press time, Busta's most recent tweets, published Monday morning, read: "I woke up this morning and realized how proud of this man's life I really am ... he can continue to smile down on us ... R.I.P. eternally, from your Flipmode Family."
Roc Raida's death really hit home. I was fortunate to open/play alongside him last year on September 20th 2008 in El Paso Texas. I had always looked up to him as one of the "ILLEST" on the 1's and 2's. My prayers and condolences go out to both DJ AM's and DJ ROC RAIDA's familys!!
This is a LIVE mix recorded at Jerrys Lounge on Saturday October 17, 2009. Taken during the early opening hour. The mix from the prior saturday will be posted up soon!!!
