DJ Rashad’s music addiction manifested at age three when he was applauded and in demand for his aping Michael Jackson’s Thriller. His command performance was reveled at family activities, gatherings and barbeques. His parents impressed by his natural rhythm and timing, enrolled him in music lessons where he mastered the guitar, the drums and the key board. DJ Rashad’s talent was soon noted by band instructors where he was “sanctioned” as the solo drummer. His distinctive percussion and acoustic skills earned him the role as the “closer” for school concerts. From there he progressed to performing at talent shows where he used his keyboard to reproduce “sounds”. But it was at 12 that the DJ began to develop a real appreciation for his culture and the “true” music. On a lark, He auditioned for a DJ slot on the renowned WKKC 89.3 radio in Chicago where he was immediately hired and began spinning sounds that soon bonded with him. The early influences of DJs’ Deeon, PJ, Monte and Milton took hold and there was no turning back. DJ Rashad was hooked on Ghetto House Music and there would be no denying him the right and the stage to showcase his talents. He along with friends/co-producers DJs Clent and Spinn soon became the faces of the “Beat down” Label where true underground music connoisseurs flocked. They also began collaborating with DJ Gant-Man whom DJ Rashad met and worked with during his early days WKKC. In 1997 while dancing with Chicago’s infamous “House-O-Matics”, DJs Rashad and Spinn obtained DJ and dancing gigs for the biggest teen parties in Chicago including: Club Cavilini’s of Harvey, Dolton Expo, Markham Roller Rink, The Rink on 87th and numerous house parties and school events. So by 1998, DJ Rashad and long time buddy DJ Spinn were creating and got an opportunity to drop one of house tracks(Bout It Bout It Mix) to vinyl (aka a 12” record) with Ray Barney’s “Dance Mania Records” on a DJ THADZ album and co-produced (Kick That Shit Off) on the same album. DJ Rashad and Spinn were also featured and so-produced (“Muthafuka” a Paul Johnson Remake) and (Child Abuse Trax)on Chi-Town’s cult house mix “Bang Bang Bang, Skeet Skeet Skeet” album. At the time DJ Rashad was also featured on other recordings with DJ Clent “Back up off Me” (DM262) Gaining more production credits on local mix tapes and DJ credit at the parties it was only a matter of time before DJ Rashad and DJ Spinn got their chance to grace Chicago’s number 1 dance music distributor but by early 2000, “Dance Mania Records” had stopped distribution of the 20 years plus company which was responsible for blowing up DJ & Producers like Traxman, DJ Funk, Jammin Gerald, Paul Johnson, DJ Deeon, DJ Milton, DJ Slugo, DJ Nephets, DJ PJ & DJ Gant-man and others. Since 2000 Chicago’s house scene has evolved into what is now know as “JUKE MUSIC” and the “JUKE” movement is growing day by day, city by city and at the front of the line are DJ Rashad, DJ Spinn, DJ Clent, bringing the style & flavor of the “ol’school” mixed with the energy & emotion of the “new school”.
In 2001, DJ Rashad signed with Data bass/ Juke Trax and produced and released “Girls Bust Down” LP featuring DJ Spinn. He continued to surge with “The White Tees” LP and others. To-date, DJ Rashad with the help of Data Bass/Juke Trax Owner/Entrepreneur DJ Godfather have “blown up” the web with numerous downloads. He has been unraveling and expanding around the country as he tours and pumps out the sounds.
You can tune into Power92.3 to check out his latest tracks or on electrobounce.com web-site to download and purchase his tracks. |
