Episode 161: DJ Rob Swift

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Robert Aguilar, a.k.a. Rob Swift, grew up in Queens, New York and was already DJing by the age of 12 thanks to the influence of his father and older brother. In 1991, he was recruited to join a prestigious Harlem-based DJ crew called The X-Men. In 1992, Swift won the prestigious DMC East Coast title, and gained recognition within the DJ community. He soon started recorded with artists like Fat Joe, Akinyele, and Chi-Ali.

The X-Men eventually changed both their personnel and their name. They became The X-Ecutioners and narrowed down to Rob, his longtime friend Roc Raida, and Mista Sinista. That lineup released successful albums like Built From Scratch and Revolutions, toured the world, and worked with artists like Linkin Park, Big Pun, Everlast, Rob Zombie, and even the Blue Man Group.

Since leaving the X-Ecutioners, Rob has continued his experimentation. He’s worked with jazz artists like Herbie Hancock and Bob James, released an album inspired by classical music, and even started teaching DJing at the New School in New York City.

Tracks featured in this episode:

1. The Mean Machine, “Disco Dream”
2. Freedom, “Get Up And Dance”
3. DJ 101 - DJ Roc Raida Breaks Down Bodytricks
4. Rob Swift, “Rob Swift Meets Charlie Parker”
5. Dennis Coffey, “Scorpio”
6. Miles Davis, “Pharoah’s Dance”
7. Rob Swift live with Bob James
8. X-Ecutioners f/Mike Shinoda & Mr. Hahn, “It’s Goin’ Down”
9. Origins of Rob Swift’s “Nobody Beats The Biz”
10. Biz Markie, “Nobody Beats the Biz”
11. DJ Rob Swift’s 92 East Coast DMC 6 min winning set
12. X-Ecutioners - Rock the Bells
13. DMC1988 Final DJ Cash Money “The Legendary Performance!!”
14. R.I.P DJ LIGHTNING RICH!!
15. DJ Aladdin - DMC 1989 US Finals Routine
16. 1990 DMC USA finals. Steve Dee and DJ Baby G, misjudged?
17. Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel & The Furious Five, “Pump Me Up”
18. R.I.P DJ LIGHTNING RICH!!
19. 1990 DMC USA finals. Steve Dee and DJ Baby G, misjudged?
20. Dr. Butcher & Rob Swift practicing 1990
21. Dr. Butcher & Rob Swift practicing 1990
22. Rob Swift’s 1991 DMC Qualifying Round
23. Rob Swift Vs Lord Kaseem 1992 Supermen Battle for World Supremacy
24. Rob Swift Vs Lord Kaseem 1992 Supermen Battle for World Supremacy
25. X-ecutioners - live on TV
26. Fat Joe, “This Shit Is Real”
27. Akinyele, “Dear Diary”
28. Chi-Ali, “Maniac Psycho”
29. 2.2.4 (2 Bad 2 Be 4 Real) ‎— Ill Tempo / I Don’t Play
30. 2.2.4 (2 Bad 2 Be 4 Real) ‎– Ill Tempo / I Don’t Play (Full Vinyl, 12”) (1988)
31. Rob Swift & Cracker Jax, “Sly Rhymes”
32. Rob Swift & Cracker Jax - Nickel And Dime (1996)
33. Rob Swift, “Shady Beats”
34. Eminem f/Dr. Dre, “Guilty Conscience”
35. Rob Swift, “Fusion Beats”
36. Rob Swift, “As The Tables Turn”
37. Rob Swift, “Fusion Beats”
38. DJ Rob Swift performs at the 100th running of the Indy 500
39. Linkin Park - One Step Closer (Live MTV VMA 2001)
40. Rob Swift Shortkut Shannyn Sossaman Gap Commercial
41. Xecutioners vs Aerosmith (R.I.P Roc Raida)

Show notes:

1. Rob Swift’s YouTube page