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FAMU's DJ Skip-a-Chuck Dies After Cycle Crash

By Lauren Dixon
Black College Wire

Photo credit: Stan Johnson Photographics Timothy Burroughs was well known in Tallahassee for his deejaying.

A local DJ and student at Florida A&M has died from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident.

Timothy Burroughs, 23, also known as DJ Skip-A-Chuck, died Jan. 21 from a blood clot that likely resulted after a New Year's Eve motorcycle accident in Tallahassee. Burroughs required three surgeries to replace his pelvis and one to fix his jawbone.

Burroughs was listed in critical but stable condition and was transported to a Tampa hospital Jan. 18. His estimated recovery time would have put a damper on his projected 2006 graduation date.

Burroughs attended FAMU's College of Engineering. Although school was a priority, music was his heart.

In May 2003, Burroughs' oldest brother, Taj, had died of a gunshot wound. Burroughs vowed that in honor of his brother's death, he would live every day to the fullest.

"His brother was his best friend and his mentor," childhood friend Ryan Jackson explained.

In 2001, Burroughs became the official DJ for Miami rap artist JT Money.

"He wanted to enter the music game, change it and take it to a whole new level," said Jackson.

Burroughs was a DJ and on-air personality on Tallahassee's Blazin' 102.3 FM for two years. He was known to spin records in local nightclubs such as Skyline, The Moon, Perry's Lounge, Mt. Zion Calypso Caf� and Chubby's. As a member of the basement crew, a group of DJs on Jay Blaze's show from 7 p.m. to midnight, Burroughs delivered enthusiasm and expertise as he segued from one record to another.

"Chuck would come in and set up and practice before a mix show," said Blaze, music director at 102.3.

"He was always excited when he had new music to play."

Burroughs' ability to rock a party brought him unexpected recognition.

Burroughs received the Best Radio Mix Show award at Clear Channel's First Ghetto Fabulous Live Awards.

In his acceptance speech, he called for the unity of Tallahassee DJs.

"It's about the music; there is no reason for animosity. Skip-A-Chuck got love for all DJs in this industry. Anything y'all need, holla at me," Burroughs said.

Throughout his stay at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, family, co-workers, friends and celebrities surrounded him. During the annual DEMP Week festivities, when DJ DEMP celebrates his birthday, rap artist Piccalo and other industry personalities came to his bedside. A get-well phone call from Miami rapper Trick Daddy lifted his spirits.

Skip-A-Chuck fans sent e-mails and recorded special phone messages asking him to make a fast recovery. On-air personality DJ Storm produced a CD of his favorite songs and get-well greetings from the station's staff.

"He was a beautiful spirit, the kind of person who could walk into a room and brighten your day," said midday personality Renee Simone. "All that knew him were trying to return the favor."

"Put the records in the stack and leave the bad ones in the back," Burroughs would say. "Make your next move your best move. Don't wait, don't hesitate because it might be too late. Bum Bum!"

Lauren Dixon, a student at Florida A&M University, writes for The Famuan. She can be reached at [email protected].

Posted Jan. 24, 2005