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, Toots & 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: Bitches 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.

One of the best to ever do it. Lucky to have seen him perform a few times over the years. His music really spoke to peop...
06/03/2025

One of the best to ever do it. Lucky to have seen him perform a few times over the years. His music really spoke to people on another level. His set at AOC in 2015 was one for the ages. Much love going out to his family, friends & worldwide fans.

Friday vibes with the great Ernest Ranglin!
28/02/2025

Friday vibes with the great Ernest Ranglin!

At 82, legendary guitarist Ernest Ranglin still plays the ska, reggae and jazz that he's championed and helped perfect for more than half a century. Ranglin ...

My old NYC brethren Rocker-T and the Skadanks crew return at 10 AM today with their latest.
27/02/2025

My old NYC brethren Rocker-T and the Skadanks crew return at 10 AM today with their latest.

TUNE IN!

‘Down! Banks of the River’ drops Thursday February 27th on all platforms!
Tune in with us for the world premiere of the video at REGGAEVILLE.COM
Celebrate online with us-
10am EST (4pm CET)

Skadanks have once again teamed up with filmmaker Jeff Pliskin to bring you a fresh look at a classic theme:
Go down…to the banks of the river. Take some time to reflect and recharge your battery…Come fresh and clean!
🧼 🌊🏞️🔋🙌❤️

You can still pre-save the track via 🔗 in bio and/or sign our mailing list…
SKADANKS.COM



26/02/2025

It’s one of the best Bowbarr traditions! Bug Spray has celebrated Mitoos birthday for years by throwing this time honored good vibrations soirée and we look forward to it all year. 🌴🌴🌴come by FRIDAY 8-11 to hear and see and Selector B Steady throw down Ska, Rocksteady, Reggie and dub 🔥

25/02/2025

The 7th Annual Ithaca Reggae Fest returns to picturesque Stewart Park in Ithaca, NY expanding to 3 days this year June 20-22, 2025 with our FREE Friday Night Block Party followed by headlining performances by Kabaka Pyramid and Mihali on Saturday, and the legendary Steel Pulse celebrating their 50th Anniversary alongside Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad on our first ever Sunday!

Weekend & Single Day Passes Available Now @ IthacaReggaeFest.com

Children under 16 admitted FREE of charge with a parent or guardian so purchase yours TODAY before ticket prices increase on April 15!

Another summer, another burningspearmusic show!!!! 🙌 🔥
25/02/2025

Another summer, another burningspearmusic show!!!! 🙌 🔥

North Carolina family! Ziggy Marley is coming to Wilmington with father Burning Spear for some music and positive vibrations on September 19 at CFCC's Wilson Center. tickets available to members Wednesday, February 26 at 10 am and to the public Friday, February 28 at 10 am.

The legendary OG sound from JA! Shout out to Selector B Steady for keeping me up on the deep history.
25/02/2025

The legendary OG sound from JA! Shout out to Selector B Steady for keeping me up on the deep history.

Merritone Music is a Jamaican sound system that has been playing music since the 1940s. It's the oldest active sound system in the world and has played on many different musical formats. Merritone Music has also been involved in philanthropic efforts and has helped discover many prominent Jamaican singers.

If you are looking for a guided tour, visit

You can also check for a FREE monthly public art festival featuring vibrant art, entertainment, dancing, food vendors and more.

📍Water Lane, Downtown Kingston

📸:

21/02/2025

🔊 Did you know Joseph ‘Culture’ Hill used to run a Sound?

“When not on tour with Culture he also ran a sound system in Jamaica, Chanel 7, which he would take to play various little towns in the Jamaican countryside. A sound system dance in the country is always a lot of fun since not much entertainment gets up into the hills and it brings people out from miles around to dance into the next morning. Most of these small towns have no running water or electricity so a visit from a sound system a real treat for sure. Joseph had been a good friend of mine for many, many years and I would always try to drop by his place when in Jamaica, this time when I stopped by he was busy making speakers for the sound system. A few months later he invited me along with him and the Chanel 7 crew to play up at a place way up in the country near the Juan de Bolas mountains called Snake Hill where some of his relatives lived, that’s one trip I’ll never forget.”
- Brian Jahn

*** Take the time to read this one! *** One of the deepest profiles on the life and career of Super Cat that I've ever r...
20/02/2025

*** Take the time to read this one! *** One of the deepest profiles on the life and career of Super Cat that I've ever read, probably since Rob Kenner's big feature for Vibe years ago. Great writing from the folks at Wax Poetics and author Eddie Stats Houghton.

FUN FACT: The bass line from KRS-One's classic "The Bridge Is Over" cut with BDP was originally inspired by the song "Boops" by Super Cat, like another cut on the same album, "Criminal Minded,” was inspired by the "diseases" riddim.

https://magazine.waxpoetics.com/article/the-making-of-don-dada-and-the-many-lives-of-super-cat-the-wild-apache/

Selector B Steady Larry Wallach Addington Murf James Caleb Coppola JP Sykes Ryan McGuire Artrocity Jamal A Mitchell dj evil dee Phillip Bro-Rabb Bell DJ HALO skazdigga Stretch Armstrong Kool DJ Red Alert R Hood Bell Shaggy

Give thanks to The Daily Tar Heel for the mention & show review! Another great night of unity in the books.
12/02/2025

Give thanks to The Daily Tar Heel for the mention & show review! Another great night of unity in the books.

Cat's Cradle hosted the 25th Annual Bob Marley Bash on Saturday, with multiple performers, including Mickey Mills and Steel, Jamrock Reggae Band, Zion Project and DJ Ras J.

Back in 1992, I worked college radio promotion as an intern at Cold Chillin' Records and mailed this one out to the whol...
08/02/2025

Back in 1992, I worked college radio promotion as an intern at Cold Chillin' Records and mailed this one out to the whole country, when I first moved to NYC. I knew it was a dope cut, but did not realize it would become such a hip-hop classic.

From the 1992 single: "Ill Street Blues"Nathaniel Thomas Wilson (born July 20, 1968), better known by his stage name Kool G Rap (or simply G Rap), is an Amer...

07/02/2025

Thrift-A-Bull Vintage Craft Market returns this Saturday 2/8!!

Join the fun with us this weekend from 11am-5pm on Saturday. Kick off February in style with a day of vintage finds, handmade crafts and good vibes! Enjoy delicious modern Indian bites from Viceroy Durham, plus creative cocktails, tarot readings and henna art. Bring your friends to shop local vendors, sip, snack and celebrate all day.

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25th Annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash SAT Feb. 1 at the Cat's Cradle Save $5 on advance tix: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/81495758/25th-annual-bob-marley-bashwith-mickey-mills-steeljamrockzion-project-dj-ras-j-carrboro-cats-cradle

Legendary #Rockers #horsemouth

DJ Shadow drops "Organ Donor" at the Lincoln in Raleigh last night!

SATURDAZE at Boxyard RTP! Every Saturday in September, 100% deep vinyl cuts, Fullsteam - Boxyard RTP pizza & brews, Lawrence Barbecue & more. Needle drops at 11:30 AM, come chill with us! #ncvinyl

Yo!!! We're invading the Bull City this Saturday 7/20 with Selector B Steady on the wheels of steel for the "Fr33dom Infused Cookout"!! RSVP & info: facebook.com/events/1820866165077820 See less

Bless up! The 24th Annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash was amazing... Thank you to all who came out to support! #onelove

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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.