I just recently found out (about an hour ago) that legendary American Hip-Hop DJ–DJ Roc Raida has passed away. DJ Roc Raida was Hip-Hop recording artist, Busta Rhymes’ official tour DJ and it was only a few weeks ago that I stood in front of and documented both him and Busta Rhymes performing in Toronto. DJ Roc Raida was an incredible DJ, a former DMC World Champion and a member of the X-Ecutioners.

Roc Raida’s death was a result of a mixed martial arts-related accident and it’s truly unfortunate that such a great artist has joined the seemingly endless list of great artists (including Michael Jackson, Farah Fawcett, Baatin of Slum Village, DJ AM, Patrick Swayze and numerous others) that have left us this year.

I believe that the death of an artist is especially unfortunate, because not only am I an artist and can identify with other artists in that respect, but I also believe that prolific and well-known artists have the capacity to reach and connect with people in a profound and emotional way–a way that’s quite different and unique from and  in comparison to other classifications of individuals (such a politicians, scientists and so on).

However, a prolific artist can continue to touch the lives of thousands, hundreds of thousands, and sometimes even millions of people through their art work, well after they’ve passed away. So, in a way, great artists are immortal and can’t be mourned indefinitely.

Below, I’ve included one of the last photographs of DJ Roc Raida, photographed by myself on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 in  Toronto (at the Phoenix Concert Theater for Abort Magazine).

More information on DJ Roc Raida can be found at the following URLs:

www.myspace.com/rocraida

www.abortmag.com/?p=11004

www.sohh.com/2009/09/breaking_busta_rhymes_ann.html

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Ajani Charles

a j a n i photography: digital image solutions

www.ajani.ca
www.ajaniphotography.com

DJ Roc Raida By Ajani Charles of a j a n i photography: digital image solutions