Legendary DJ Grand Master Roc Raida Passes Away

Initially announced by Busta Rhymes’ via his Twitter account, and subsequently confirmed by several hip-hop blogs and news sources, turntablist DJ Roc Raida has died.

According to AllHipHop.com, pioneering X-Ecutioners member and long-time tour DJ for Busta Rhymes, Anthony “DJ Roc Raida” Williams was seriously injured in a car accident. However, AllHipHop said today:

““The legendary Grand Master Roc Raida has passed away this morning,” a representative for the DJ told AllHipHop.com. “Family and friends will miss him dearly. Please give the family their privacy.” The source refused to give details of his illness or injury, or even the cause of Roc Raida’s death, but did state that previous reports of an injury during karate class or a car accident were inaccurate. The rep confirmed that Roc Raida was hospitalized last week, but would only state that the DJ’s death was totally “unexpected.”’

Later, on NahRight, a statement was posted, attributed to his family, stating:

Anthony Williams p/k to the world as The Legendary Grand Master Roc Raida has passed away unexpectedly today Sept 19 2009. He is survived by his wife, 3 lovely daughters, mother and friends. Raida was recently in an mixed martial arts accident, something that he has been practicing for several years. Although he had under gone 2 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.

More info on HipHopDX.