Anthony “Grand Master Roc Raida”  Williams recently passed away on Saturday, September 19th, after health complications, originating from a mixed martial arts accident.  There is no way to easily summarize the impact made and legacy left behind by a man known the world over as one to the greatest turntablists to ever step foot on a stage. As a mostly New York native (until a recent move to Maryland), Williams represented much of the early birth of the type of turntable acrobatics that have been associated with DJs such as Q-Bert, A-Trak, Craze, and many other DMC champions.

In 1995, he became the 1st New Yorker to ever hold the title of DMC champion and was instantly inducted into the DMC/Technics Hall of Fame. From there, Roc Raida went on to change the way many viewed the art of spinning records, from his ground-breaking work with the X-Men and the X-ecutioners to his later work as Busta Rhymes’s touring DJ, he helped define the way to rock the party.

His passing has effected many in a year that has been tumultuous in terms of losing musical icons much too soon. However, his uncanny ability on the decks and tenacity toward the craft, will undoubtedly push and influence a new crop of DJs to hone their craft and take it to the next level.

For those in the New York area, there will be a service and viewing held on Thursday, September 24, 2009:

Mount Neboh Baptist Church

1883 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. (W. 114th St. & 7th Ave.), New York, 10026

Viewing: 10-Noon/Funeral starting at Noon