The X-Ecutioners

I’m really surprised and shocked that no one has written an artist review on Discogs yet for this talented group of turntablists. The X-Ecutioners were formed in the late eighties, they were originally known as the X-Men (taking their name from the Marvel comic mutant super heroes, until they later change their name due to copyright reasons) this was a response to the original DJ Clark Kent and his Superman DJ’s, a rival DJ crew in New York who dominated the New Music Seminar in the late eighties.

The X-Ecutioners line-up has changed many times over the years such as Dr. Butcher, Steve-D, Diamond J, Johnny-Cash, Fatman Scoop, Rob Swift, Mista Sinista, Total Eclipse, DJ Boogie Blind, DJ Precision and the late, great Grandmaster Roc Raida (R.I.P).

The X-Ecutioners along with the likes of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz, The Bullet Proof Scratch Hamsters and The World Famous Beat Junkies etc. helped to elevate, advance and transform Turntablism during the nineties. Probably one of the most notable performances was after the legendary International Turntablist Federation (ITF) DJ World Championship in 1996. After the championship (which Total Eclipse won) there was an unofficial battle between The X-Ecutioners and the Invisibl Skratch Piklz. The battle consists of one on one DJ battles and group battles. The group routine by the Invisibl Skratch Piklz was later recorded in a studio as “Invisibl Skratch Piklz Vs. Da Klamz Uv Deth” This classic and unforgettable battle was bootlegged onto video (would love to see a full copy of this battle, so if anyone has a copy of this, please contact me).

The X-Ecutioners have had great success not only as a group, but as individuals as well. The X-Ecutioners disbanded after the passing of Grandmaster Roc Raida, but have left an everlasting impact and mark on the turntablism world. Would recommend anyone starting out in turntablism to check out The X-Ecutioners, you won’t regret it.