DJ Rashad’s passing in late April sent a shockwave through the electronic music community. Known as a groundbreaking and innovative producer, DJ Rashad’s contributions to music will be sorely missed. We remember Rashad by collecting our favorite tracks from the footwork pioneer.
Click here to view the embedded video.
DJ Rashad, DJ Spinn, DJ Manny, J-Cush @ Dubspot – Wireless Interview: Juke EditionDJ Rashad is one of my favorite producers of all time. I’ve been playing his music nearly every single set for years now. He’s a true original, someone who has been able to define and develop his own sound & movement. Beyond the musical elements of Rashad’s tunes, what comes across to me is the attitude. I never had the chance to meet Rashad, but the personality embedded in his body of work is undeniable & something to which I’ve always felt connected. I can’t pick just one, so here’s a selection of some of my favorites. -DJ Shiftee
Though I didn’t know him personally, I had the pleasure of meeting, hanging out with and seeing Rashad perform multiple times. Seeing him spin at one of the Lit City parties at 285 Kent was one of the most unique, off the wall, inspiring parties I’ve ever been to in my life. I walked out of the place feeling like anything is possible with electronic music, and if you’re confident with your self and talents, your energy and vision will resonate worldwide. -Alex Burkat
I love the straightforward, in your face nature of this one. It just repeats & flips the phrase “these haters can’t hold me back” over and over again. Imagine bouncing through a club with this as your anthem, letting everyone near you know that they can’t hold you back. -DJ Shiftee
Roy Ayers Show (Juke Trax Online)
My favorite Rashad song is Roy Ayers Show. My friend Kid Chalupa dropped it as one of his last songs at a Brooklyn rooftop party two summers ago, and it was only a few close friends vibing out. Something about that moment really struck a chord with me and remains a happy memory for me. It’s also a melancholy one, because one of five friends I was with at the time had passed away from cancer the next year. Having dealt with a lot of death in my life, I see the accomplishments of the deceased as inspiration and celebration for the living. This song is one of those songs for me. -Alex Burkat
Drop Juke Out (Juke Trax Online 2009)
Another tune based on repetitive vocal loops, but the main drum drop 1:00 is just so driving & powerful. I love to scratch the clean “Drop” sample. This tune was even part of the Mostly Robot live Sonar set. Crowds that can really dance and vibe with this song are always a sign of a great party. -DJ Shiftee
Feelin (Hyperdub 2013)
For me, Feelin represents his growth as an artist. His tracks have always had vibe to burn, but I was struck by how polished this tune is. I love that he never lost any of his flavor and feel as his production chops grew over the years. Also, I could listen to this track in the club, on the street, or in the shower, and it would still have the same impact. -Evan Sutton (Astrolith)
Space Juke (Ghettophiles 2011)
First time I heard this, I was like WTF IS GOING ON HERE. Super trippy, weird, & creative. Fitting to the title, this is some alien dance music. -DJ Shiftee
Rollin (Hyperdub 2013)
DJ Rashad’s Rollin’ EP contained some of the best electronic music released in recent memory. I was completely floored when I heard it – soulful and fresh and it immediately became one of my favorite releases of that year. He was a positive and superb. The few times I met him, he was funny, kind, and smiling a lot. My thoughts go out to him, his friends and family. -Lamin Fofana
Let It Go (Hyperdub 2013)
Like a lot of people, I was blown away by Rashad’s Rollin EP. I always knew him more for upfront party tunes, but the Rolling EP delved into a deeper more emotional side of his world. This track is as a delicate and tender as they come, but still features Rashad’s signature drum programming. RIP forever & always to the legend DJ Rashad. -DJ Shiftee
/files/2014/05/Rashad_thumb_2.jpg
The post Remembering DJ Rashad – Dubspot Picks Our Favorite Tracks from the Footwork Pioneer appeared first on Dubspot Blog.
