J Rocc for Funky President

Bubbha’s Dance – J. Rocc
from the 3×12″ Hella International on Stones Throw (2007).

You’ve Gotta Have Freedom (J Rocc Remix) – Build An Ark
from the EP Build An Ark Remixes on Plug Research (2005).

J Rocc of the World Famous Beat Junkies has been my favorite DJ since I first saw/heard him on the Word of Mouth Tour in late 1999. He was the first dude on stage; he walked out with no introduction and a Santa hat on, and my good friend Jeremiah asked me, “Who is this guy?” I said, “I don’t know…maybe some local cat opening the show?” By four minutes later we both agreed if he was a local cat he was damn amazing and 30 minutes after that Supernat let us know this is J Rocc The Funky President, who we had heard of but never checked before. Think about that for a few seconds, how often has a DJ gone from zero to blow your mind in under four minutes of a set.

Of course, being my favorite DJ isn’t going to make the 1st or even 2nd page of accomplishments on J Rocc’s CV, as he is a world champion battle DJ, heavy associate of Stones Throw and all their geniuses, maker of the best mixtapes period (Sex Machine series anyone?). Lately, more and more production has been showing up by the estimable Pres. Rocc and that’s the focus of today’s post. First up his JR’s contribution to the Stones Throw small run vinyl compilation from this year, “Buddha’s Dance.” J surely knows his way around a funky walking bassline and peppers the track with lots of sample snippets and horn lines. Listening to the snares snap on this proves that all the time J (Rocc) was able to spend with the late Jay (Dee) helped to ensure the latter’s influence will live on.

Next, J opens up an extended dance remix of Build An Ark’s “You’ve Gotta Have Freedom” from their album Peace With Every Step (2004). Build An Ark is a LA based soul-jazz group lead by Dwight Trible and Carlos Nino and boasting the great trombonist/arranger/composer Phil Ranelin as a member. “You’ve Gotta Have Freedom” is originally by Pharoah Sanders (it is on Journey To The One), and Build An Ark’s rendition has been written about here at earfuzz previously. Rocc cuts back on Trible’s vocals and makes an electronic dance track that is longer than Novad Djokovic’s pre-service routine and a million times more enjoyable. The bassline is again a groovy sensation, but the way J balances the organ and piano elements sparsely throughout the song really make this an excellent mixing weapon.

According to the Stones Throw website J. Rocc is working on an album for the label, and Build An Ark are set to release their sophomore effort Dawn on September 25th. Looking forward to more good things from both.