Rap Attack founder Nestor “Nasty Nes” Rodriguez died on Saturday (2/15). He was 63. Nes’ wife, Llola Rodriguez, shared the news in a Facebook post. The cause of death was not given.
“We come to you today with heavy hearts to share the news of the passing of a true legend, friend, father and husband, Nasty Nes Rodriguez. Nes was a pioneer in the Seattle Hip-Hop scene, and his influence extends far beyond music. For decades, he was a voice that uplifted artists, a mentor to countless individuals, and a pillar in the community. His impact on hip-hop, radio, and the culture is something that can never be overstated.”
“This loss is immeasurable, and right now, I am taking the time to grieve and process this profound change,” Llola’s post read. “In the near future, we will share more details to honor and remember his life, but for now, I kindly ask for privacy as I navigate this difficult time. Thank you for your love, support and understanding.”
A GoFundMe account was setup to cover funeral costs and support. HERE
Nes, who worked with Loud, Death Row, Bad Boy and Priority Records throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, is credited with discovering Seattle hip-hop legend Sir Mix-a-Lot in 1980. Along with DJ Ed Locke, he founded Nastymix Records and released two of Mix-a-Lot’s albums, Swass (1988) and Seminar (1989), which sold more than a million copies each.
He was also the mastermind behind FreshTracks, the first all-rap radio show on the West Coast, on Seattle’s 1250 KFOX, and was instrumental in establishing and supporting the Pinoy music scene with his Crazy Pinoy Productions.
Rest in peace. Prayers go out out to his family.
About Nasty Nes: In 1970, “Nasty-Nes” Rodriguez relocated to the United States where his dreams began to become a reality. “While my sister was attending New York University, I’d spend my summer vacations in the Big Apple in the late 70’s peeping out radio stations like WKTU & Mr. Magic’s ‘Rap Attack’ show on WBLS,” says Nes.
“Seeing Grandmaster Flash perform live on the wheels in New York gave me the incentive to be a radio deejay and a mix deejay!”
By 1980, Nes debuted the West Coast’s first ever all rap radio show “Freshtracks” on Seattle’s 1250 KFOX.
The October 1996 issue of Source Magazine’s ‘In The Hood’ section quotes, “Nes, the staple of rap radio in Seattle, would be the West Coast equivalent to NY’s DJ Red Alert!”
In 1985, NastyMix Records was born as an independent record label. Sir Mix-A-Lot became the first artist on their roster, giving NastyMix two gold & platinum albums. Nes was also featured on the classic single, “Radio” by the late & legendary Eazy-E!
By 1988, Nes took his rap radio show ‘Rap Attack’ to KCMU and his ‘Hotmix’ show to KUBE 93.
In September 1997, Nes finally turned off his mic after 17 years on the Seattle airwaves to relocate to Southern California. He became the Rap Editor for HITS Magazine, a weekly national trade publication. Five years later, Nes left HITS and established the RapAttackLives website, his own online National College Rap Radio Promotions business.
