RIP Roc Raida

Feels like he just went into the hospital for the still partially-explained accident he suffered, and now I just got word that the legendary Roc Raida has passed away. Still no official word, but I'm hearing he passed due to complications during surgery?

For now, let's remember one of the true legends behind the turntables...

1996 DMC World practice session



Excerpt from Scratch, where you see him doing the "ninja of rap" routine Rob Swift spoke of in the previous practice session



and here's his 1996 DMC Worlds routine


(not the best quality, but that "ninja of rap" number is so necessary)

1992 DMC USA Finals routine



@ WNYU



"Push It" Juggle



'95 Showcase at 1995 Zulu Nation Battle



Tableturns 2nd Anniversary



@ The Ottobar (6/19/2008)



I'll update with official word when I receive it.

EDIT HipHopDX posted a piece on Raida's passing, as has All Hip-Hop.

Here's a few of Raida's mixtapes and albums, which many cats slept-on, but were well-known for their hilarious skits, as well as their fresh cuts...

DJ Roc Raida Beats Cuts Skits [via The Diggers Union]
DJ Vlad & Roc Raida Rock Phenomenon [via iDealTaste]
Roc Raida Old School (1996) (Side A \ Side B) [via Rekordz On Wheelz]
Roc Raida Still Smoking [via Pipomixes]
Grandmaster Roc Raida 52 Beats 2008 [via Ideal Hip-Hop]
Roc Raida The Adventures of Roc Raida [via Cocaine Blunts]
Roc Raida Crossfaderz [via HQ Hip-Hop]

Talib Kweli speaks on Roc Raida.

EDIT It looks like the report(s) about a possible car accident or karate class accident are inaccurate:

The source refused to give details of his illness or injury, or even the cause of Roc Raida’s death, but did state that previous reports of an injury during karate class or a car accident were inaccurate.

I wonder what the real deal is, then...

EDIT Looks like the family has given a statement:

Anthony Williams p/k to the world as The Legendary Grand Master Roc Raida has passed away unexpectedly today Sept 19 2009. He is survived by his wife, 3 lovely daughters, mother and friends. Raida was recently in an mixed martial arts accident, something that he has been practicing for several years. Although he had under gone 2 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.

Via Rap Radar.

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