Grand Master Roc Raida Dead

Renowned DJ, who had performed with X-Ecutioners and Busta Rhymes, died Saturday of complications from a mixed-martial-arts accident.
By Shaheem Reid (MTV.com - Sep 21 2009 12:57 PM EDT)

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."