Rocker-T

"When LUV is the chosen path to answer or approach, and when varying opinions can be voiced without the fear of hate or violence, then a HUMAN can finally realize the true connected nature of the HUMAN RACE and begin to live life as it should be" - Rocker-TRocker-T was an integral part of the formation of the downtown New York City Ska scene and is one of the founding elements of the New York City Dancehall/Ragga Hip Hop scene. He has performed alongside and worked with artists such as KRS-One, Glen Adams, Rita Marley, Yellowman, Burning Spear, Super Cat, Aswad, Shinehead Maxi Priest, Half Pint, Sugar Minott, Jamalski and a multitude of others. Besides having a unique form of chanting and singing called "sing-jay", Rocker-T plays the guitar, melodica, niyahbinghi drum, bass guitar and some keyboards. He writes his own lyrics and music, programs drum machines and samplers, and is an up and coming producer. He was born, raised, in Brooklyn, New York, and currently resides in Oakland, California and sometimes in Amsterdam.Rocker-T formed the band Skadanks in 1986. Soon thereafter, he began toasting for Rob Kenner's BBC2 Sound System at Mars Bar, Wild Pitch, and the Wetlands as well as many other venues in New York City. He gained notoriety toasting with internationally famous DJ Puppy Ranks for Eruption Hi Power and TNT Boys & Girls in Flatbush, Brooklyn and at the Reggae Lounge (aka The Island Club) in Manhattan. In the early 1990s, he started dee-jaying and selecting on his own sound system, Jah Warrior Shelter High-Fidelity, at the now famous Lion's Den and other tri-state venues.Recently, Rocker-T has been performing in the U.S. and abroad with the Cannabis Cup Band, Version City Rockers, Stubborn All-Stars, Positive Sound Massive, and his More Luv Band. Rocker-T is an innovator whose conviction to love and truth has kept him from selling out, yet secures his progress as well as maintaining a reputation with the people. Rocker-T is an asset to any festival, dancehall, club venue or stageshow.



New Music: An encore for Itation Records Clearly Riddim - Rocker-T's "Queen of the Ghetto"

June 17, 2009, Sonoma County, CA – Released in April 2010 amid much fanfare, the Clearly Riddim went on to earn praise as a “sparkling” (UnitedReggae.com) and  “quality one drop” (ForwardEver.com). And now, Itation Records is pleased to present the encore from Rocker T entitled “Queen of the Ghetto”.



Rocker-T and Joan Baez Perform Live Duet at Northern California's 31st Annual Harmony Festival

June 17, 2009, Sonoma County, CA – Rocker-T, the internationally-renowned, ground-breaking, and award-winning Reggae and World Music recording artist, delivered an unexpected and exhilarating live acoustic performance of his new single, "The Way Life Should Be." to the capacity crowd at Northern California’s 31st Annual Harmony Festival accompanied by singer and human rights activist Joan Baez with Gabriel Harris, Joan's son, on percussion. And for those that don’t believe “lighting strikes twice,” the duo delivered a surprise and equally rousing second live performance of the song later the same evening. "The Way Life Should Be." is from the new Epiphyte Records EP release, featuring five mixes of the duet single "Luv is the Foundation" written and performed by Rocker-T with Joan Baez.

The first early afternoon mainstage set featured Rocker-T, backed by a 50 voice Choir, performing “Rise Up and Stand” to the audience of approximately 3,000. In the first of the two impromptu guest performances, Joan then joined Rocker-T on stage to perform her legendary "Gracias" before the two segued into "The Way Life Should Be." The set ended with a powerful version of "Amazing Grace" which, backed by the Choir, was the high point of their first performance together.

Rocker-T opened his second evening set with his longtime classic, "Tru Ganjaman" and then another rousing performance of “Rise Up and Stand.” Rocker-T then introduced Joan who performed Steve Earle’s "God is God" and "Gracias" before the two joined in the duet of "The Way Life Should Be." to close out their set.

At the day’s end, Rocker-T said, “The on-stage chemistry between Joan and I, fed by the audience’s energy, has left us all with a deep and gratifying feeling of elation. I hope that this will be the first of many more live collaborations between Joan and I.”

A beaming Joan Baez stated, “I had a wonderful day.”

Other artists featured on this year’s event included: Michael Franti, India.Arie, Matisyahu, Cake, K’Naan, Kitaro, Steve Kimock, Dead Kennedys, and the Bad Brains.