Roc Phizzle: Championing Funk in the Emerald City
Photos provided by Roc Phizzle
By Emma Schwichtenberg
Of the funk and bass institutions in Seattle, Jamal Robinson a.k.a. Roc Phizzle continues to hold on tight to his place. Originally from Southern California, he moved to Seattle at a young age, with his family, driven by his deep-rooted connection to funk and bass.
Robinson’s father is the esteemed bass player for the iconic funk band Lakeside, best known for their hit song "Fantastic Voyage." This connection to funk’s golden era not only shaped Robinson’s musical journey but also set the stage for him to forge his own path in the industry.
In addition to headlining weddings and collaborating with renowned bands, Roc Phizzle dedicates time to crafting beats and recording new music in his studio. His musical intuition and dynamic stage presence ensure that every performance is electrifying, leaving audiences exhilarated and eager for more.
Converge Music recently caught up with Roc Phizzle to discuss his profound funk influences and what it’s like to follow in his father’s illustrious footsteps.
Let’s start with a question I always ask: Can you tell me a bit about how you got your start in music and how you eventually became a member of Lakeside?
My dad was actually the bass player for Lakeside. As a kid, I was always around music—I attended rehearsals, studio sessions, and video shoots. I showed an early interest in music, starting with the drums when I was about five or six years old. As I grew older, I picked up other instruments. Over time, I became more involved with the group. Lakeside had a lot of members come and go, and when one of the percussionists faced health issues and couldn’t play anymore, they reached out to me. They saw me perform at a local venue and felt I was ready. I’d been preparing for this moment for a long time, so it felt like a natural progression.
At what point did they officially invite you to join?
That was about six years ago. Even though I’d known them since I was a kid, joining the band wasn’t something that happened overnight. I had moved away for a while to finish my education, but they always knew I would be ready one day. It was just a matter of timing.
I noticed you’re wearing your Funkoholics merch. How did that come about?
It’s an interesting story. I started off producing projects for a group in Mexico. One of the artists, who wanted to pursue his own solo work, reached out to me because he’d been hearing my music around town. He asked if I could produce his album. After the first one did well, I produced a couple more for him. Eventually, we collaborated on a song that sparked the idea for Funkoholics. We both shared a passion for funk groups like Parliament Funkadelic, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Lakeside, so it felt right to combine our interests. I had a collection of beats I was sitting on, and it all came together naturally.
I know you also have a background in DJing. Can you tell me more about that?
DJing started for me as a way to stand out in the hip-hop scene. Growing up in the 70s, I was surrounded by funk and disco, and later, hip-hop took over. I wanted to do something different from everyone else, so I taught myself to DJ. I watched "Beat Street" countless times and learned from listening to radio stations and DJs. I put together what I’d seen and heard to create my own style.
How did you teach yourself to DJ?
I learned by watching "Beat Street" repeatedly and listening to radio shows like Uncle Jam’s Army. I observed how DJs blended and matched records, and when I got my own turntables, I practiced what I’d learned. I figured out how to replicate those techniques and developed my own skills from there.
Can you tell me about the neighborhoods in LA where you grew up?
I lived in two main neighborhoods. First was the Crenshaw area, which was bustling with entertainment venues like Mavericks and Total Experience. Later, I moved to 39th and Normandy, near USC. That area was known for its vibrant music scene and was a hub for musicians. Despite some of the negative aspects, it was an exciting time for music and entertainment.
What did you learn from your dad being in the entertainment field that shaped your perspective?
Being around my dad in the studio taught me to be multifaceted. I saw how songs were created, how engineers worked behind the scenes, and how recording and mixing were done. I learned a lot just by observing and soaking it all in. It inspired me to learn as much as I could and eventually apply that knowledge to my own music.
When did you start producing music?
My journey into production started when my dad built a home studio. I began learning how to use drum machines and keyboards, and we worked on beats together. When I moved to Seattle, I invested in my own equipment and took production seriously. By the early '90s, I was making a name for myself and getting recognition as a producer.
How did you continue to promote your music?
I started promoting my music by walking around with my beat tapes and blasting my own instrumentals. I would play my music at festivals and events, trying to get people interested. It took a while for word to spread, but persistence paid off as more people started to recognize my work.
Why did you move from LA to Seattle?
Well, I had two choices when my parents split up. My dad was going to move back to Ohio, where he's from, to help my grandma, while my mom was coming up here to Seattle. I have family all over the area and used to volunteer every summer, so I was very familiar with Seattle. At that time, two of my cousins were already making waves in the local music scene, and I felt this was where I needed to be. Moving here allowed me to connect with them, gain insights, and benefit from their experience. Looking back, Seattle made a significant difference for me. The rainy weather kept me indoors more, which helped me focus on mastering my craft—playing keyboards, guitar, and other instruments. I learned from Prince and others that being indoors and dedicating time to music was essential to developing my skills.
How many instruments do you play?
Technically, I play four main instruments. Drums were my first, followed by keyboards. I then picked up the bass, which my dad plays, and lastly, the guitar, which has been the most challenging to learn. Additionally, I play percussion and an instrument called the TalkBox, which is similar to what Roger Troutman used in songs like "More Bounce to the Ounce." Although it’s part of the keyboard family, you need to know how to play keyboards to use it effectively. Overall, I focus on these core instruments but also explore other related tools and techniques.
Do you find it easier to pick up new instruments or musical hobbies because you were exposed to music at a young age?
Yes, definitely. If you consider the turntable an instrument, that would make five for me. Growing up surrounded by music, I became addicted to it very early on. I found that creating music is therapeutic and has helped me navigate various situations in life. Seeing musicians who were influential to me and then eventually performing with them has been incredibly rewarding. It feels like I've carried a torch, intentionally or not, and it motivates me to continue pursuing my craft.
Did you play with Lakeside while your dad was still in the band?
Yes, he’s still one of the original members. We recently performed at the LA County Fair in Verona, which was a great experience. It was exciting to reconnect with the band after all this time.
What was it like working with your dad in that context?
Honestly, it was both exciting and surprising. Growing up, I was the only child in the band who took music seriously. Many of the other kids in the band didn’t pursue music as intensely. I was determined to push the envelope and fully commit to my music career, and it paid off in the end.
How often do you play with them?
I’ve been an official member of the band since 2018. I try to be there for as many gigs and tours as possible, balancing it with my home life and job. I make it work whenever I can.
Even though your dad is based in Ohio, he still plays with the band?
Yes, he does. The band originally formed in Ohio, moved to LA, and then some members remained there. When it's time for us to come together, we all meet up and rock out. It’s a fun process.
What are the age ranges in the band?
The original members who are still in the band are in their late 60s to early 70s. There are a few newer members, including myself, and I’m the youngest in the group.
Is it strange being the youngest member?
Not at all; I actually enjoy it. It’s a generational exchange. I bring fresh perspectives from my generation, and I help bridge the gap between different eras of music. I explain concepts like sampling and hip-hop’s roots to the older generation, which helps us all coexist and understand each other better.
How has the strictness of sampling laws affected your music process?
As a musician, I adapt by using different techniques. For example, Dr. Dre’s method of replaying samples with live musicians inspired me. Instead of directly sampling, I often replay and reinterpret the music myself. This approach has boosted my reputation as a producer, especially in Seattle.
How did you meet Vitamin D?
Vitamin D and his family were living in Los Angeles while I was there too. His band was playing for Tina Marie and other artists. Our parents knew each other, and we met when we were young. When Vitamin D moved to Seattle before I did, we reconnected and started collaborating. We’ve been good friends since childhood.
What are you most proud of in your music career?
One of my proudest moments is performing with Lakeside. It was fulfilling to see my hard work come full circle and to be on stage with artists I looked up to. I’m also proud of maintaining a positive reputation and creating my own lane in the industry, without stepping on others' toes.
What type of music do you like to create the most?
Funk is my primary genre of choice. It’s a genre that makes people want to dance, relax, or even feel nostalgic. I love making people move and enjoy themselves, which is why I became a DJ.
Who are some of your influences?
My influences include Roger Troutman, the Isley Brothers, Parliament Funkadelic, Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, Dr. Dre, DJ Battlecat, DJ Quik, and Snoop Dogg.
Robinson is currently working on a project dedicated to reviving the fun and positive vibes that have been missing from contemporary hip-hop.He believes that the genre has strayed too far into negativity, the degradation of women, and excessive drug use. His goal is to shift the narrative back to the core values of hip-hop: partying, having fun, and uniting people. He wants to revitalize the genre with the same joyful spirit and inclusive message that characterized the music of earlier generations, reminiscent of the tunes his parents once enjoyed at parties.
Find him on Instagram @roc_phizzle
