Pioneers
- Thanks Roger
- Roger Clayton 1984
- Lonzo, Clayton, Arabian Prince and Egypt showing tribute to a real West Coast Pioneer called Michael "Mixxing" Moor
- The Army
- Uncle Jamms Army Flyer 1984
- The Clayton Clan
- Mr. Prinze
- Uncle Jamms Army at the Sports Arena
ROGER CLAYTON - LEADER OF THE ARMY
Born: 16.11.1958
Died: 10.10.2010
Real Name: Roger Clayton
Artist Name: Mr. Prinze
Roger Clayton began spinning records and throwing house parties at 13. He worked as a deejay at several clubs and held a succession of jobs at records stores and in sales for a wholesale record company. Toghether with his school buddy Gid Martin he founded the DJ group "Unique Dreams Entainment" back in 1978.
In 1983 they changed the name to "Uncle Jamms Army" inspired by George Clinton - Uncle Jam. At that time Rap hits the West Coast and the Uncle Jamms Partys went bigger and bigger. In 1984 the Army filled stadiums like the L.A. Sports Arena. Roger Clayton brought for the first time East Coast Groups like "Run DMC", "Whodini", "Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyed", "Kurtis Blow" and "L.L. Cool Jay" to the West Coast performing live.
At that time Roger released the first record on his own "Freak Beat" label called "Dial-a-freak" which was mainly produced by Roger Clayton and the Egyptian Lover. Egypt who was one of the mayor figures in the Army did his first own release "Egypt, Egypt" on Rogers label. After the mayor sucess with "Egypt, Egypt" the Lover left the Army to do a solo career and founded his own label "Egyptian Empire". In 1985 Roger did the song "What´s your sign" followed by "The Roach is on the wall".
Till now the "Uncle Jamms Army" stayed in the head of the people with their legendary parties. Roger was the mastermind behind the sucess of the Army and his promotion work were ahead of the time. The influence the Army had on the early West Coast Rap scene can be found even today. A lot of "Uncle Jamms Army" members are still in the business like "Egyptian Lover", "Bobcat" and "DJ Pooh".
Thanks goes to bleyenddog(at)hotmail.com for supporting us with the Uncle Jamms Radio Commercial.
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Uncle Jamms Army |
Dial-a-freak |
Freak Beat |
UJA 1001 |
1984 |
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Uncle Jamms Army |
What´s your sign |
Freak Beat |
UJA 1002 |
1985 |
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Uncle Jamms Army and the California Cat Crew |
The Roach is on the wall |
Freak Beat |
UJA 1003 |
1985 |
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Uncle Jamms Army |
Dial-a-freak |
Freak Beat / DYF |
DYF 007 |
1988 |
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Rodger Clayton, leader of Uncle Jamms Army, was one of the most influential people on the west coast when it comes to the hip hop movement. When I first moved to L.A. in 1983, I was shocked that a promoter could fill the L.A. Sports Arena with 8000 people for a “dance.” No artists, just djs’ such as Egyptian Lover and DJ Bobcat. When setting the programming for KDAY I had asked Roger to allow us to be a part of the excitement…he said, “NO, we don’t need radio.” At that time he was right. It prompted me to start my own group, The Mixmasters, and a rivalry began; it wasn’t always friendly but it was respectful, most of the time. When Rodger decided he did need radio, he and I ended up in a lawsuit because he didn’t feel we were running his commercials properly. His lawyer, the late Johnny Cochran represented him. After realizing how stupid we both were, we ended being even closer friends. Rodger went on to work at KGFJ, KDAY, KJLH, and several other radio stations in L.A. doing mix shows and certain events. Within the last years he owned multiple record stores specializing in oldies and promoted for Niederlander Concerts doing several shows at the Greek Theater and surrounding areas.
I last spoke with Rodger a few weeks ago and he sounded happier than ever saying he was bringing a big show to Fresno. He wanted me to know he had some tickets for me and looked forward to seeing me. He will truly be missed and I hope that people will now take a look at everything he created for the people of L.A. and Riverside. Not only did he give light to West Coast Artists but East Coast artists as well. He never wanted to do interviews when people would ask him for his story, he always wanted to do his own book and/or movie for Uncle Jamms Army, so he was hesitant to give anyone an in depth interview.
I’m proud to say that he and I had many talks over the last few years regarding all that had happened in his life and mine. We talked about a lot of things, and more importantly we found out how much respect we did have for each other. He and I also would comment on how “little” documentation there has been of the West Coasts’ rap history, we both felt it inadequate. And I still do.
I will miss him…
–Greg Mack