Rex Riddem

Born and Raised the diverse, international city, Washington DC, Rex Riddem is a direct product of the confluence of Chocolate City melding with the epicenter of modern day Babylon. Rex, a DJ, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, draws from the influences of his unique upbringing and world travels to create soundscapes from the African Diaspora with contemporary twists. Rex is the co-founder of Nappy Riddem. Since releasing their debut album on Fort Knox Recordings in 2011, NAPPY RIDDEM has been busy touring nationwide and releasing a string of remixes, transforming itself into an uplifting and conscious reggae band that is funky enough to pack the dancefloor. Started by Mustafa Akbar and Rex Riddem, NAPPY RIDDEM is now joined in the studio and on stage by drummer Jon Modell as part of a six piece live band. In 2013 Nappy Riddem released “The Rock Steady EP” and was awarded “Best Reggae Recording” by the Washington Area Music Association, in 2014. Nappy Riddem stepped out of the studio to focus on touring. They’ve toured north, south, east and west. The Riddem crew had the pleasure of supporting the English Beat, Go-Go rockers Experience Unlimited, Lee Scratch Perry, and Bob Marley’s Legendary Guitarist Junior Marvin. Junior Marvin also selected Nappy Riddem to mentor and tour with him as his backing band during their California tour. The Highlight of which was headlining Joshua Tree Music Festival. As a DJ, Rex Riddem has played throughout the continental US as well as Hawaii, St. John, Lisbon, and a 5 city tour of Brasil. Rex has played with DJ heroes Afrika Bambaataa (whom he played percussion for on a the album “Dark Matter Moving at the Speed of Light”) Diplo, Numark, Beats Antique, Lance Herbstrong, Congo Sanchez, and many more. Two of Rex’s past highlights as a DJ have been playing support for Bassnectar, at the 9:30 Club, two consecutive years, and an eight month residency, with the Fort Knox Five at Eye Candy Lounge, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. Rex’s first release “Salvador Diaspora” was featured on several international compilations, including the world renown “Brazilectro” series. It has also been featured on the “Top Chef Masters UK” television series. On percussion Rex backed Thunderball (ESL Records) with whom he toured Russia and played as support on the Pretty Lights tour 2010. For more info follow Rex through Nappy Riddem online. Nappyriddem.com Twitter & Instagram: @nappyriddem Facebook, Youtube, & Soundcloud: /nappyriddem DJ/Producer/Ukulele/Percussion