Rankin Returns

Comments (0) By Tomas A. Palermo Wednesday, Dec 30 2009

Bay Area reggae legend Robert Rankin’s personal theme song is “Give Thanks for Life” by Jamaican sing-jay Konshens. It’s an apt choice, given that in 2008 he almost died from an aggressive bacterial infection. Things were dicey for the influential radio, club, and concert DJ, who endured several surgeries, a medically induced coma, and months of physical therapy. The good news is that he triumphed over his illness and makes his first San Francisco DJ appearance in more than two years this week at Dub Mission. Expect a full room, as Rankin is a fixture at major local events such as Reggae on the River, Monterey Bay Reggae Festival, and the annual Bob Marley Day concerts. He has mentored at least two generations of young DJs, including S.F. Sound Clash champs Jah Warrior Shelter, earning Rankin the nickname “The Professor.” He started DJing in 1981 at Foothill College radio station KFJC, hosting the Friday morning reggae shift for five years. It was there that he met Dennis “Spliff Skankin’” Bishop, an equally revered radio and club jock, and the two formed their Massive Sound International DJ crew. Rankin’s DJ sets are on par with greats like the U.K.’s David Rodigan or Rory from Jamaica’s Stone Love sound system, and with his music career back on track, now is your chance to get enlightened by the prof.