South Rakkas Crew

South Rakkas Crew (SRC) was founded by producer Dennis 'Dow Jones' Shaw in late 2002. After managing Riprock n Alex G Entertainment, Orlando's premier 'Pop' production house, Dow Jones teamed up with Alex G creating what is proving to be one of the hottest Dancehall music production teams today.

SRC gave the world Riddims like: Clappas, Red Alert, Bionic Ras, Chinkuzi, etc. They have produced Dancehall music's biggest artists including Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Bounty Killer, Capleton, Lady Saw, Mr. Vegas, Ce'Cile, Mr. Easy, Sizzla, T.O.K., and the list goes on. They have become known as Dancehall's most innovative producers, bringing a fresh new sound which the top European DJ's have titled Electro-Dancehall. Dow Jones has another alias, “King of the cut,” given to him by some of Jamaica's biggest producers, for South Rakka's ability to 'chop up', and rearrange songs creating new and exiting mixes.

Although the team is based in Orlando Florida, they hail from Southern Canada. Growing up in Toronto, and Mississauga Ontario has given them an edge, explains Dow Jones. “I was born in Jamaica but grew up in Canada. Alex G and myself grew up in a very multicultural environment. We have been exposed to many genres of music. At different times in my life I was into Top 40, Reggae, Pop, Hip Hop, Disco, House, Dancehall, Base, Freestyle, Dance, R&B, Jungle, New Wave, Rave, Rock, Salsa, Meringue, Electro., etc., and I know Alex G has a much more extensive knowledge of music than myself. This is what gives us our sound.”

And this 'sound' has earned them high accolades in the remix world as well, and from a very eclectic list of artists, including: Bob Marley, Duran Duran, DJ Shadow, Lily Allen, Beck, T.O.K, Mr. Vegas, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Bounty Killer, T-Pain, R. Kelly, Twista, Good Charlotte, Shakira, Alicia Keys, and Chris Brown.

The team worked together in Canada, but struggled with the compromises they had to make due to the industries lack of interest in domestic urban music. Alex G moved to Florida to do some production work for Base music rappers 95 South and a then unknown Pop group called NSYNC. Dow Jones quickly followed and although he had always dabbled in Dancehall, was producing Latin Rap before his relocation.

SRC has already produced and released 7 albums; 4 being 'Riddim Albums' and 3 exclusively to Japan. In the works are: an artist album for hot new Jamaican singer/sing jay Sandy Smith, an EP and possible SRC album for Diplo's Mad Decents label and Ninja Tunes next Solid Steel Mix CD/Compilation.

There is another exiting chapter SRC has begun to write. Dow Jones explains, “we are a very dynamic production house; constantly evolving. Something we have always wanted to do but have never had the opportunity was touring. I believe this will bring us closer to the people that enjoy what we do, and give us a unique out look and better understanding of what our music does and how it effects others. Essentially we are going back to our roots. Alex G and I both started in this business as DJ s, we will see you soon.”