DJ Ras J

DJ Ras J ★ Spinning roots vinyl since 1989 ★ Vintage reggae & dub selector based in Chapel Hill, NC. Real name: James A. Franklin St., Chapel Hill). Huge vinyl fan.

Hailing from a small town in northwestern Connecticut, DJ Ras J launched his first radio program on WECS 90.1 FM at Eastern Connecticut University in 1989. His groundbreaking show ‘Ewadjo’ included roots reggae, psychedelic rock, hip hop, in-studio dub mixes, and a live freestyle session, one of the first in the country. It was during college that he first djed in front of a crowd, opening for the

Wailers in 1992. After graduating, he went on to work as an intern at the legendary Cold Chillin' Records, as a roadie for dancehall legend Super Cat, as a road manager for the Now Born Click, and promoted the Bambu Nation party series in NYC. He also worked on marketing projects for Buju Banton, Red Fox, Tony Rebel, Born Jamericans, Patra, and Jimmy Cliff. Ras J eventually found his way back to the turntables in 2002 in North Carolina, opening a sold-out show for Buju Banton at the legendary Cat's Cradle. Since then, he has gone on to open for Lee Scratch Perry, Steel Pulse, Culture, T***s & the Maytals, Capelton, Half Pint, the Budos Band, and many more. His decade-long residency SIMMER DOWN: Roots & Culture Reggae Revival, launched in 2008, foreshadowed the current global vinyl renaissance. He performed at Moogfest and opened for Grammy winners Black Uhuru in 2016, at the Chesapeake Bay Reggae Fest in 2017 & 2018, and at the 420 Festival in Raleigh in 2019. Ras J made his first motion picture cameo in "The Herb Train" on Amazon Prime in 2020. In 2021, Ras J opened for Khruangbin at the Band Together Festival and performed with Genesis Owusu at Motorco in 2022. This past summer, Ras J hosted at month-long residency at Boxyard, RTP in Durham. He currently spins at local sessions with the Triangle Soul Society and The Vinyl Exchange, and also co-hosts the Grassroots Vinyl Lounge at the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival. One love, vinyl & unity.

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February 2011 DJ Profile in Yes! Weekly
http://www.yesweekly.com/triad/article-11508-triad-dj-profile.html

Free Roots Download:
http://www.mixcrate.com/djrasj/ital-session--74057

DJ handle: DJ Ras J

What it means: Ras as in Rasta, just a nickname from college. McGurk

What I play: A bit of a hacker guitarist, from the turntables I spin mostly vintage roots reggae vinyl. Upcoming shows: Opening for the Budos Band at the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro Feb. 20. My monthly residency is “Simmer Down: Roots & Culture Reggae Revival” every fourth Saturday at Talulla’s (456 W. Got in the game: 1989 at WECS 90.1 FM in Willimantic, Connecticut. Why I do it: I was always into music and made a lot of mixtapes as a kid. In college I hosted a pretty popular radio show, which led to many connections in the industry. After that I worked in the music business in NYC until 1995 and eventually moved down here in 1997 and worked in commercial radio and for Redeye Distribution. There just wasn’t a very strong roots reggae scene in the area, so I created a party where folks could hear music from Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Alton Ellis, Jacob Miller and other foundation artists. Music has the power to uplift and unite people. Influences: I’m all over the place musically, from Jimi Hendrix to Thievery Corporation to old jazz and soul records. I was a roadie for Super Cat and Wild Apache and also an intern at Cold Chillin’ Records back in the day. As a DJ, I draw inspiration from all my local DJ friends, as well as legendary cats like David Rodigan and Afrika Bambaataa. First pro gig: Opened up for the Wailers when I was in college at Eastern Connecticut State University. Studio work: Just a few mix cds over the years, the best selling one being Ital Session from 2009. My style: I like to create a classic 1970s sound-system vibe, burn incense and build up the positive energy. Personal playlist: Lots of vintage reggae, classic rock, jazz, blues and electronic stuff. Favorite albums: Bi***es Brew by Miles Davis, Super Cat’s Don Dada, BDP’s Criminal Minded and Muddy Waters’ Electric Mud. My gear: Technics 1200 MKII turntables, Shure M44-7 Jico 2s, Roland Space Echo, Ecler Nuo 4 Mixer, Custom dub siren, SM58 mic. Website: reverbnation.com/djrasj and facebook.com/djrasj

I’d like to add: Just played an incredible gig at Patty Boom Boom in Washington DC last week with DJ J-Bone. I really love all the live music in this area and the community of local musicians, artists and DJs. It is a blessing to be able to be exposed to so much great music. I bring greetings of peace & love to one and all.

Shout out to the homie & local legend Brian Dawson (Instagram ) from K 97.5 Hip-Hop and R&B for putting this dope pub cr...
29/08/2024

Shout out to the homie & local legend Brian Dawson (Instagram ) from K 97.5 Hip-Hop and R&B for putting this dope pub crawl event together!

Kotuku Surf Club
PickleBack 2
Fullsteam
Motorco

28/08/2024
28/08/2024

ANNOUNCING! MOTORCO ROCK-N-SHOP RECORD FAIR - SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29

FREE! NOON - 6pm

A fantastic event for music enthusiasts and collectors, featuring a wide array of vinyl records, from rare and collectible albums to more common finds in every genre. Browse through stacks of records, discovering gems you didn’t know you were looking for. 15 vendors from around the Southeast will be bringing the goods, so bring your list and fill up that collection!

More info @ motorcomusic.com/event/motorco-rock-n-shop-2

28/08/2024
26/08/2024

Paul Oakenfold says club culture as we know it today started in 1987, but I think there's definitely a counterpoint in the early Jamaican sound systems and places like The Warehouse in Chicago and Paradise Garage in NYC. What do you think?

I was lucky enough to attend the Hacienda Club in Manchester in 1986 and 1987, with DJs Hewan Clarke, Greg Wilson, etc. By the time I moved to NYC in 1992, it was all about Webster Hall, Club USA and The Tunnel, as well as the Sound Factory & Limelight. Plus there was The Muse for hip hop djs and the Biltmore Ballroom & SOBs for reggae madness....

https://www.facebook.com/reel/473615542133483

Parking info for the El Centro Hispano, Inc. music & street festival in Carrboro today. Check the vibes!! Multiple full ...
25/08/2024

Parking info for the El Centro Hispano, Inc. music & street festival in Carrboro today. Check the vibes!! Multiple full bands kick off around 2:30, event starts at noon.

Carrboro Farmers' Market Carrboro CD & Record Show CARRBORO BEVERAGE COMPANY For the Love of Carrboro Town of Carrboro, NC Simmer Down: Roots & Culture Reggae Revival

25/08/2024

LETTER FROM FREDERICK DOUGLASS TO HARRIET TUBMAN
Rochester, August 29, 1868
Dear Harriet,
I am glad to know that the story of your eventful life has been written by a kind lady, and that the same is soon to be published. You ask for what you do not need when you call upon me for a word of commendation. I need such words from you far more than you can need them from me, especially where your superior labors and devotion to the cause of the lately enslaved of our land are known as I know them.
The difference between us is very marked. Most that I have done and suffered in the service of our cause has been in public, and I have received much encouragement at every step of the way. You, on the other hand, have labored in a private way. I have wrought in the day – you in the night. I have had the applause of the crowd and the satisfaction that comes of being approved by the multitude, while the most that you have done has been witnessed by a few trembling, scarred, and foot-sore bondmen and women, whom you have led out of the house of bo***ge, and whose heartfelt, “God bless you,” has been your only reward.
The midnight sky and the silent stars have been the witnesses of your devotion to freedom and of your heroism. Excepting John Brown – of sacred memory – I know of no one who has willingly encountered more perils and hardships to serve our enslaved people than you have. Much that you have done would seem improbable to those who do not know you as I know you. It is to me a great pleasure and a great privilege to bear testimony for your character and your works, and to say to those to whom you may come, that I regard you in every way truthful and trustworthy.
Your friend,
Frederick Douglass.

This is the move today starting at high noon!! My highlights are Orquesta K'che at 2:30, Pocillo at 3:45 and the Latin S...
25/08/2024

This is the move today starting at high noon!!

My highlights are Orquesta K'che at 2:30, Pocillo at 3:45 and the Latin Swing Band at 5 PM. There are other fantastic musical acts and dancers, and a DJ early, but I think those will be the best!

Lots of great food & drinks, and the best part is the whole street is shut down for the event from 12-6, so you can walk around & dance!!

El El Centro Hispano, Inc. te invita...

¡𝗙𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘀 𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮́ 𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿! 🎉

¡Prepárate para un día lleno de música, cultura y entretenimiento en vivo! Ven a disfrutar de lo mejor de nuestra comunidad con un increíble lineup de artistas que no te puedes perder. Aquí te compartimos el horario para que te unas a la celebración:

🕛 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘀 𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 🕛

12:00 PM Intro + DJ Willie Elias
12:15 PM La Regia de Monterrey
1:05 PM Orgullo y Alma Latina
1:25 PM Abakua Latin Music
2:00 PM Tambor y Alma - 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗮 𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲
2:15 PM Sangre de Campeón
2:35 PM Orquesta K'che
3:25 PM Venezuelan Dance Group
3:45 PM 1/2 Pocillo
4:35 PM Takiri
4:55 PM Latin Swing
5:45PM Colibrí Zumba

🎶 ¡Únete a nosotros para vivir un día lleno de ritmo, sabor y tradiciones! ¡No te lo puedes perder! 🎶

Roll on through and check my idren Shep & The Amateurs crew! Old   heads, do you remember them mashing up Lake Boone Cou...
22/08/2024

Roll on through and check my idren Shep & The Amateurs crew! Old heads, do you remember them mashing up Lake Boone Country Club back in the day??!!

THIS SUNDAY: Reggae Sunday is back at Tap Yard on Sunday August 25th and we are going to jam island-style all afternoon!

Groove to the rhythms with legendary reggae band The Amateurs, get your heart thumping to the beats of African drumming by One Tribe, and get into the rhythm with juggling and hula hoop magic!

Don’t miss the Southern Reconstruction history exhibit for a splash of culture. And that’s not all—rock out with a live performance by The Amateurs and enter our raffle to win tickets to the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival! Let’s get irie!

21/08/2024

The NC classic breaking event returns to the Tap Yard Raleigh. This venue is so fresh and family friendly. This will be a 3 vs 3 crew battle. We're excited about this one, it's been a few years since we had this format!

1st Place $600 cash. Winner Take All! All Styles Cypher with cash prize and mystery judge/judges 😉 Micky Slicks and D3 will be on the 1's and 2's rocking the tunes all night. Hosted by Raleigh Rockers and Swoon Unit. Judges: Bboy Wicket, Muchado, & Krisis Admission: $15 (cash, Cash App or Venmo)

Big fans of all these groups! If I was still in NYC, I would def be rolling through. I once spent a whole day with Ladyb...
20/08/2024

Big fans of all these groups! If I was still in NYC, I would def be rolling through. I once spent a whole day with Ladybug Mecca in Greenwich Village in the early 90s, very cool woman & talented MC.

Who’s ready for Friday??? You will def be hearing about this one on Saturday. We have BIG surprises so hope to see you there!!!

20/08/2024

This Friday at the Skylark!
MHSC’s own Steve Cervantes will be jumping in the mix at Shades Of Soul with Wesley Summerhill and Jeff Stang ✨
••••
This will be a night of Sweet Soul, Oldies, Deep Soul and a lot more!
•••
No Cover and records start spinning at 9pm. 😊

20/08/2024

🎧 Join us for a Vinyl-Only Disco Funk & House Evening! 🎧

🗓 Date: Friday, August 23rd
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Greenway Beer and Wine

Get ready to groove to the smoothest beats as DJ Nugz and Al Ski Love take you on a musical journey through the golden era of Disco Funk and the sounds of House. This is a vinyl-only set, so expect nothing but the authentic warmth of classic records spinning, while you sip your favorite local and craft brews.

Grab your friends, grab a pint and let’s celebrate!

20/08/2024

P-Live, Solger and Ill God at the Hip Hop Film Festival screening of the the brand new Now Born Click documentary last night at the Apollo in Harlem!

18/08/2024

👑 DANCE FOR SHAKA 👑
☀️DAYTIME WAREHOUSE SESSION☀️
12pm (Afternoon) - 6.30pm

Hackney Dub Carnival x Dance For Shaka!👑 Official 1 year Commemoration for the Legendary Jah Shaka 👑 🔊 Daytime 3 Room Warehouse Session 🔈
🌴AUGUST CARNIVAL WEEKEND🌴
SAT 24 AUG 2024 12pm(Noon)-6.30pm
🗓️Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/rJ4h3XuTmxj5nBkV/?mibextid=9l3rBW
🎟️ Tickets: www.dubwisefestival.com & www.skiddle.com

Hackney comes alive Commemorating & celebrating the KING of Sound System, The Mighty Zulu Warrior Jah Shaka!This special & family friendly event brings you 3 spaces full of all things Jah Shaka with a full host of UK sound systems, DJ’s & artists!Main room hosted the Prince Of Sound System & son of Legend ; YOUNG WARRIOR SOUND SYSTEM 2.0 ➕ Jah Shaka Sound System Display➕MANY MORE

⚡️Shaka Merchandise, Shaka Sound System Display, Exhibition, Cinema Room, Fresh Shaka Dubplates, Projections, Decoration Installations, Street Food Market, Out Door Garden Stage, Full vibes, Bar & More!

📍@ Colour Factory, 8 Queens Yard, , London, E9 5EN

🚂 Train:
🚎 Local Bus Services

🎟️ Tickets 🎟️
▪️£8+b/f Child (Under 16- Must be accompanied by an Adult) In advance online
▪️£17+b/f Earlybird in advance online (Entry before 2pm)
▪️£20+b/f Second Release in advance online (Anytime Entry)
▪️More on the door 🎉 COME & CELEBRATE THE KING OF 🎉

▪️www.facebook.com/youngwarrioruk
▪️Tweet/Insta:
▪️TikTok:
▪️Bookings/info: FRANCE [email protected] - UK&OTHER [email protected]
▪️MoreEvents: www.facebook.com/youngwarrioruk/events
▪️Listen to shows, interviews & documentaries: www.mixcloud.com/youngwarrioruk

18/08/2024

🇯🇲Tomorrow🎺🎵The Reggae Block Party is here and kicks off at 12 Noon! Live concerts, food trucks, vendors, and more😍
This event is FREE and all ages Rain or Shine! 👈👈👈
The biggest Reggae party has landed in the City and we can’t wait to see you there 🤩 schedule above 👆
📍658 Maywood Ave. Raleigh NC | 12-7PM
at
More information at www.oakcitymusic.com/reggaeblockparty 📲
Send this to a friend 📩

16/08/2024

Greetings from the Morning Ride on WAVS Radio. Please join me week days from 7: am -10 am for music, news, interviews and sports. My guest this Friday the 16 th Is Recording Artist and songwriter KEITH POPPING. Log on to www.wavs1170.com . Also air on 1170 am and 107.9 fm.

13/08/2024

As someone who came of age during the golden age of reggae, Keith Poppin believes it is important for artistes to be original. For over 50 years, he has shown that by writing his own songs. Africa Calling is the veteran singer’s latest effort. The self-produced song, which salutes the Motherland, ...

13/08/2024

Next Sunday, the 9th Annual Hip Hop Film Festival at the legendary Apollo Theater will feature THE NOW BORN CLICK a new documentary from filmmakers Luis Libran and Carl June.

This year’s festival theme is “STORIES FROM THE CULTURE” and will pay tribute to the diverse narratives that have shaped the unique and influential hip hop culture.

SCREENING DETAILS:
Hip Hop Film Festival at the Apollo
Sunday, August 18, 2024

THE NOW BORN CLICK: Screening at 3 PM
https://www.harlemfilmhouse.org/hhff/the-now-born-click.

Big up I-Dread Visions & crew! Don't miss out.
11/08/2024

Big up I-Dread Visions & crew! Don't miss out.

🚦5 Days to GO…. Get ya last minute tix @

www.beresraleigh.com

11/08/2024

The Bazaar is back in Carrboro this fall on Sunday, September 15th! Shop handmade creations from 30+ talented local makers, enjoy awesome eats and drinks from Safari Eatz, Barone Italian Grille, Churro Boys, Vegan Ice Cream Man, and Carrboro Coffee Roasters. Get inspired with an original poem from the Poetry Fox, get fancy with body art and fairy hair from Sparkle Body Arts, and hoop your heart out to Selector B Steady's global grooves!

The Bazaar is family-friendly (leashed dogs welcome) and free, and it's all happening on the Carrboro Town Commons at 301 W. Main St. from 12-5 P.M. on Sunday, September 15th!

For more info, visit our website (link in profile) ✨️ Event link in comments!

Big fan of Steel Pulse since the late 80s, and have had the honor of opening for them three times over the years. Always...
11/08/2024

Big fan of Steel Pulse since the late 80s, and have had the honor of opening for them three times over the years. Always supportive, encouraging, positive brothers. Respect!!

Reggaeville.com - World of Reggae in One Village

11/08/2024

🇯🇲FEATURED ARTIST🇯🇲
REGGAE SUMMER BLOCK PARTY 8/18💚👀
👉🏻CRUCIAL FIYA
Led by Ralph Dujour, Crucial Fiya is one of the East Coast’s most prominent Roots Reggae bands with a multi-faceted blend of lover Reggae, R&B, and Caribbean Flavor.

Having played with legends such as Frankie Paul, Everton Blender, Glen Washington, Johnny Osborne, Turbulence, Mikey Dread, The Itals, The Meditations, Luciano, Fanton Mojah, Anthony B., Ras Shiloh, Jah 9 and Lutan Fyah, Crucial Fiya continues to be one of the strongest and most upcoming Roots Reggae bands in the nation🎶
Can’t wait to see you at the summer block party 🇯🇲💚✨
More info over at www.oakcitymusic.com

#2024

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Since 1989

February 2011 DJ Profile is Yes! Weekly http://www.yesweekly.com/triad/article-11508-triad-dj-profile.html Free Roots Download: http://www.mixcrate.com/djrasj/ital-session--74057 DJ handle: DJ Ras J What it means: Ras as in Rasta, just a nickname from college. Real name: James A. McGurk What I play: A bit of a hacker guitarist, from the turntables I spin mostly vintage roots reggae vinyl. Upcoming shows: Opening for the Budos Band at the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro Feb. 20. My monthly residency is “Simmer Down: Roots & Culture Reggae Revival” every fourth Saturday at Talulla’s (456 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill). Got in the game: 1989 at WECS 90.1 FM in Willimantic, Connecticut. Why I do it: I was always into music and made a lot of mixtapes as a kid. In college I hosted a pretty popular radio show, which led to many connections in the industry. After that I worked in the music business in NYC until 1995 and eventually moved down here in 1997 and worked in commercial radio and for Redeye Distribution. There just wasn’t a very strong roots reggae scene in the area, so I created a party where folks could hear music from Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Alton Ellis, Jacob Miller and other foundation artists. Music has the power to uplift and unite people. Influences: I’m all over the place musically, from Jimi Hendrix to Thievery Corporation to old jazz and soul records. I was a roadie for Super Cat and Wild Apache and also an intern at Cold Chillin’ Records back in the day. As a DJ, I draw inspiration from all my local DJ friends, as well as legendary cats like David Rodigan and Afrika Bambaataa. First pro gig: Opened up for the Wailers when I was in college at Eastern Connecticut State University. Studio work: Just a few mix cds over the years, the best selling one being Ital Session from 2009. My style: I like to create a classic 1970s sound-system vibe, burn incense and build up the positive energy. Personal playlist: Lots of vintage reggae, classic rock, jazz, blues and electronic stuff. Huge vinyl fan. Favorite albums: Bi***es Brew by Miles Davis, Super Cat’s Don Dada, BDP’s Criminal Minded and the Doors first album. My gear: Technics 1200 MKII turntables, Roland Space Echo, Ecler Nuo 4 Mixer, , Korg Kaossilator, SM58 mic Website: reverbnation.com/djrasj and facebook.com/djrasj I’d like to add: Just played an incredible gig at Patty Boom Boom in Washington DC last week with DJ J-Bone. I really love all the live music in this area and the community of local musicians, artists and DJs. It is a blessing to be able to be exposed to so much great music. I bring greetings of peace & love to one and all.