Rest in Peace to one of most influential battle DJ’s to ever rock on two turntables (not to mention body tricks galore). For further proof peep the video above when he took the 1996 DMC World Championship.

Roc Raida from the Bronx, NY representing (X-Men, X-ecutioners & Ill Insanity) was one of the first battle DJ’s I looked up to along with DJ Babu, Rob Swift, Total Eclipse, Shortkut, Vinroc and Craze. He also spun for groups like DITC (Lord Finesse, O.C., A.G., Big L & Diamond D).T Also known to do numerous collaborations, ranging from Kool G Rap to Cypress Hill, Mike Shinoda of Linkin’ Park.

What a year from Michael Jackson, Baatin from Slum Village, DJ AM and now DJ Roc Raida all passing away in the summer.