Words by Ime Ekpo
Hip-Hop culture has suffered a great loss from the loyal community.
New York City Dance Icon, VooDoo Ray born Raymond Ultarte, has reportedly passed away at the age of 50 on Tuesday (October 17). The cause of death is currently unknown. Ultarte was embedded into the roots of the Hip-Hop community through dance. He is notable in Hip-Hop culture for his electrifying dance moves which were infamous for bringing life into the parties of New York City nightlife. Formerly known as Boogie Ray, one of the first people he danced for was Hip-Hop pioneer, Kurtis Blow.
Throughout the 80s and 90s, VooDoo Ray was a pivotal force in New York City nightlife who evolved with the genre becoming a frequently featured dancer in several music videos throughout the 90s, into the millennium. Music videos on his resume include Run D.M.C. “It’s Like That”, Busta Rhymes “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See”, Wyclef Jean “We Trying To Stay Alive”, JAY-Z “Sunshine”, Mariah Carey “Honey”, Rah Digga “Party and Bullshit,” just to name a few!
Ray was ⅓ of DJ Tony Touch’s signature Toca Tuesday’s at Cielo and ½ of New York City’s once beloved Funkbox parties at Le Poisson Rouge. He was also a renowned party promoter and booking agent for New York City DJs, which heightened his stance in the Hip-Hop community. Many described him as being “the coolest person” who was a “Hip-Hop lover” that was “full of life” with a “heart of gold.”
The reactions from the Hip-Hop community were grand in shock and sorrow. Tony Touch, one of his closest, was speechless, posting a black space, with no caption. May VooDoo Ray, rest in peace. Take a look at the reactions of VooDoo Ray’s passing from notable bodies of the hip-hop community, below.
