Dj Rasta Root is what they called him. And for 18 years he has been spreading his interpretation of Hip Hop through out the world. Originally from Canada, Roots has traveled from the US to Europe to Japan spinnin' nothing but the hottest joints, taking elements of turntablism as well as club mixing, to bring what he calls a "styleless style". For the past 14 years, one of the founding member of Smokin' Needles Records, Dj Rasta Root has become an integral part of hiphop worldwide. He has spun Japan, Europe, Phillipines, Canada, US, and most of the Caribbean. He brings the party to any club, radio show, or live stage. He's bringing seamless mixes with a great selection coupled with a sense of the crowd he is playing for.
He currently controls the turntables and produces for the likes of A Tribe Called Quest's Phife Dawg. Together with Phife, they run Smokin' Needles Records. Rasta Root produced the first single from Smokin' Needles in 2003 called 'U Know U Want It', which also features label affiliates Jax, Hawkeye, and Slick & Rose. Recently released in Japan, Slick & Rose's debut Japan-only release, 'Objects in the Mirror' boasts 4 superb beats by Rasta Root. Roots plans to blaze tracks for Jax, Hawkeye, Dwele, Consequence, and many many more. Of course he will be in contention for beat placement on the highly anticipated reunion album by A Tribe Called Quest.
Rasta Root has put out solid mix tapes consistently that get great reviews in many publications. Rasta Root, Phife, and Jax recently departed to Japan for the Smokin' Needles 2003 Winter Tour. They entertained US military bases and local Japanese hip hop fans. There are serious plans to tour Japan again, Europe, and Australia in 2004. Catch Roots on stage with Phife or in the dj booth at any club or stage worldwide.
History
Roots' toured constantly for three years in Japan. From hole in the walls to the legendary Kings' & Queens, he ripped it night after night. Bringing his experience to the Japanese and military masses. He opened shows in Japan for the likes of Redman, Nas, Busta Rhymez, and the Wu-tang Clan. Roots' claims that djing in Japan allowed him to hone his skills in reading the crowd. Having to dj for people who don't speak English and at the same time cater to the Americans in the crowd, forced Roots to be precise and skilled with his mixes. Along with longtime brazilian dj Marc-T, Rasta roto started what we now know as Smokin' Needles Records. Taking all he learned, Roots decided to move back to the States and plant his "roots" in Atlanta, GA. He quickly made his name through the local club circuit, opening for artists such as KRS-One, Noriega, A Tribe Called Quest and Rakim. Roots found a home for himself on 88.5FM WRAS on "The Bomb", at Georgia State U. Boasting 100,000 watts and having the biggest college signal in the US, this station was exactly what Roots needed. This was his chance for the whole city of Atlanta and the surrounding areas to hear his mixes and blends. It was at 88.5 that Roots met Jay Force.
Impressed with Roots' skills, Jay Force heavily recruited him to be a dj on his newly formed show, "Beatz & Lyrics", on 89.3FM. Together they would rule the airwaves and redefine mix shows nationwide (While racking up many awards). Along with the radio show, "Beatz & Lyrics" video show has been on the air since 2001. They have taken viewer from Japan to the Phillipines. Due to Roots' visibility in the Atlanta scene, it was only a matter of time before doors would open. That door would be Roots hooking up with Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest. Apart from being Phife's dj, he also is handling production duty on his next album, "Songs in da Key of Phife". They recently came off a 25 City tour with Slum Village and Mystic. Be sure that whenever you see Phife on stage, you are sure to see Roots backing him up.
In October 2004, Roots was selected to attend the Redbull Music Academy in Rome, Italy. This academy, selected 60 of the world’s most promising producers and djs to spend two weeks in Rome with the world’s best sound engineers, producers, djs etc for a music seminar equal to no other in existence. Of the 2000 applicants, Roots was one of the 60 people chosen to attend. He currently does worldwide dj events for Redbull. Every year, he continues to be a guest speaker at the Redbull Music Academy info sessions all across the nation and in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In 2004, Rasta Root took over the management of Phife. Together they appeared on Midway Games' 'NBA Ballers' on a track called NBA Ballout. They are did the play off theme for the Dallas Maverick’s on a track called ‘All Out’. Phife has allowed Roots to help his career in sports and music. A Tribe Called Quest is scheduled to appear at Street Scene in San Diego on August 27th. 2004. This marked the first ATCQ show in over 6 years. Rasta Root went from loyal fan, to friend, to manager. The group later went on to tour with salem in 2004, and 2k Sports in 2006.
Under Smokin' Needles, Phife and Roots form a unique dj/mc team, with Phife handling mic duties and Roots holding down the sounds. They rock parties from NY to Tokyo utilizing their Caribbean roots to spice up any hip hop or dancehall event. Roots was the resident dj at Atlanta's MJQ 'No Static At All', with appearances by Quest Love, Bobbito, Rich Medina, and many other notables. This led him to his own night called face/Off Fridays.
In 2006, Roots set it off at his monthly residency at MJQ with his own night called Face-Off Fridays. This event teams him up with some of Atlanta’s greatest dj to provide unforgettable nights at the ‘Q’. It has been deemed the best monthly in Atlanta for 2007.
In 2007, Roots teams up with Xm Satellite Radio to bring you ‘Classic Example’, a one hour mix show Friday nights from 10-11pm. The show showcases classic music from the golden era of rap. His shows are also podcast on www.riddimkidz.podomatic.com
Roots management roster now includes Phife and co-manager of A Tribe Called Quest. Slowly but surely, Roots is building his roster to launch Riddim Kidz Management Company.
