The "Official" Biography of Spex- The Riddim Track Master

[Darling Nicky]

Dreamweaver riddim

Like all of the great DJ’s of our time, Spex was not born “a riddim track master”. Hailing from the culturally diverse city of Scarborough, ON, Spex started out as a “riddim track student” listening to the music of his beloved Jamaica on vinyl 45 RPM records as generations ahead of him had. He had a dream, and that was to ensure reggae music was celebrated in the hearts and minds of music lovers for generations to come. Spex acquired his “master’s degree” having played with the most accomplished Reggae Sound to come out of Canada – King Turbo. It was through years of refining his craft – and mashing up many a dancehall – that Spex assumed his rightful position as “The Riddim Track Master®”.

Stepz riddim

From small steps to leaps and bounds, Spex gained notoriety as a break out solo DJ, and in 2000, was approached to host a new “commercial” (ah Big Tings dat!) radio reggae show, and Riddim Track® was born. Riddim Track®, an interactive show, includes everything from “Rub-a-Dub” to “Lover’s Rock” to current Dancehall, as well as artist spotlights that provide a more in-depth exploration of artists and producers alike. By tuning into Flow 93.5 FM or listening online at www.flow935.com, you too can enter Spex’s Riddim Track World® each and every Sunday from 9 ‘till midnight. That’s a hallamanashundae!

(Too) Experienced riddim

Over the last 16 years, Spex has dominated both the national and international urban scene as both a club DJ, and concert DJ, having opened for reggae superstars including Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Beres Hammond, and Mavado. Playing to both small and large audiences, Spex has showcased his musical fortitude in familiar venues such as: Air Canada Centre, Lamport Stadium, Guvernment Entertainment Complex and the Opera House.

Glory riddim

Hard work, perseverance, and skill deserve to be acknowledged. So it goes without saying that at the inaugural Stylus DJ Awards in 2006, Spex as the front runner in the category took home the acclaimed “Best Reggae DJ” award in recognition of his impact and contributions to the Canadian Reggae and Dancehall scenes. In 2007, Spex accomplished what many said was impossible, by capturing a momentous victory for Toronto, Canada on the international reggae circuit by “out-clashing” two of the world’s most infamous reggae clash teams; Mighty Crown and King Addies in Tag Team Clash Part 2.
The accolades continued to abound, having been nominated each subsequent year in the “Best Reggae DJ” category at the Stylus DJ Awards, garnering a 2nd win in 2009.

Tings a Gwaan riddim

To expand Riddim Track® beyond the airwaves, Spex launched www.riddimtrackworld.com in 2008 – an interactive, musically inclined and all things Spex-clusive to the world. Spex fans and music lovers can get insight on the #1 Reggae DJ along with News, Spex-casts, Mixed Tapes and Pictures. And for all you Generation Next’ers, Spex now has his podcasts available for you in iTunes. Spex is truly living out his mandate, to bridge the generation gap through the common love of reggae music.

No Man Is An Island

Outside of DJ’ing, Spex is a devoted father who often shares anecdotal stories of his father-daughter relationship with his listeners. So while on air you may hear “Spex a di Boss......yooooooo!” at home, we know who the real boss is.

Many of you may know Spex by some of his other handles, one being “Four Eyed Spex”. And while he most certainly rocks his glasses in the most “stylie” fashion, I prefer to call him “Four Eyed Spex-tacular!”

Written by Nicky Phillips a.k.a. Darling Nicky