Microphone Bill (also known as Raider DJ Microphone Bill) is one of the most enduring and respected voices in Chicago’s reggae ecosystem. A cornerstone of the Raider Sound System collective, Bill has dedicated decades to preserving the authentic soundsystem culture, spinning roots reggae, dub, and conscious dancehall across the city.
From the golden era of Chicago reggae — where sound systems like Selective Sound, Talus, Saggy, and Conquering Lion ruled parks and community halls — Bill has remained a faithful archivist. He recalls buying records from the legendary Chucky (rest in peace) and standing alongside figures such as Root Master Sun Sound System and the wider reggae fraternity.
In a 2021 panel on the state of reggae in Chicago, Bill spoke with clarity about the shrinking circle: “The culture has died down a little bit … it’s a much smaller circle now.” Yet rather than surrender, he continues to nurture the flame through his long-running radio show, live sound clashes, and mentorship of younger selectors.
Bill’s philosophy is simple: reggae education starts with listening. “We have children and children that have children — and the future of reggae depends on the youth accepting this music and understanding it.” At SelassieFest, Microphone Bill brings not only his selector skills but also his deep knowledge of sound system history, record preservation, and the social power of bass weight.
Raider Sound System · Guest selector for Root Master Sun · Early days with Talus & Saggy
Former record dig spots: Chucky's shop · The parks where sound systems clashed · WHPK studios since the 90s.
“To keep reggae alive we need younger artists. When reggae was big in Chicago, all of those artists were young. We must inspire the next generation of selectors.”
Microphone Bill maintains an extensive collection of 7” and 12” reggae singles — many out of print. He regularly hosts digging sessions at SelassieFest’s Leaf Library and shares restoration techniques.
Discover archive →Through the Higher Learning Roots pavilion, Bill leads workshops: “Build Your Own Sound System”, “The Art of the Dubplate”, and “Reggae Radio: Then & Now”.
Join workshop →Every week, Microphone Bill brings fresh riddims, forgotten gems, and live interviews with Chicago’s reggae artists. Tune in Tuesday evenings or stream the archive.
Listen live →Saturday, July 25th — Sound System Yard (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
“Roots Vinyl Set & Sound System Reasoning” — Microphone Bill spins heavyweight dubplates and shares stories from Chicago’s reggae golden era. Followed by open discussion on keeping the culture alive.
“I remember Chucky, rest in peace — during the SelassieFest half-day, correct. And on the north side we have great stars. But a lot of sound systems don’t really put what it is as a sound system.”
Bill is a vital link between the generation of soundmen who built Chicago’s reggae infrastructure and today’s emerging selectors. His humility and passion are unmatched.