RAHEEM'S RADIO

Boomboxes have been a part of popular music culture since the late 70's and all the way through the 90's.  When boomboxes come up in conversation, you can't avoid the Radio Raheem references. "D motherfucker! D!" In Spike Lee's classic film "Do The Right Thing" you could see Radio Raheem stomping the Brooklyn pavement with his giant radio...destroying all competition with Public Enemy's "Fight The Power" blasting at full volume! So what kind of boombox was it? Read more to find out.

RAHEEM'S RADIO:  THE TECSONIC SUPER JUMBO J-1

Before going into any specifics about Raheem's box, we first have to talk about what's called "Re-badging."  During the 80's, electronic companies would create a boombox chassis and then sell the model to other companies as a template.  These companies would "re-badge" the box with their own logos and designs on the outside.  Thats why you'll notice some boomboxes are exactly the same with the exception of the badging.  This was usually the case when boomboxes would appear in different countries.  The Tecsonic Super Jumbo's rebadged counterpart is known as the Promax J-1 Super Jumbo.

THE SUPER JUMBO J-1 IN ACTION.

PROMAX J-1 SUPER JUMBO 

Both boomboxes have the same features.  A 10 band EQ, dual deck, RCA inputs/outputs, digital LED clock, Disco LED, sing-along functions, high- speed dubbing, A/B continous play and 3 pairs of speakers with 8" woofers.  At first glance, the first thing that you will notice is its size.  Its 30 inches wide and stands 20 inches tall.  This is part of what makes this box so iconic.  In person, the boombox is extremely light in weight due to its build quality that uses mostly plastic.  Most of the weight is from the batteries.  Its cheaply built but the lights, cool looks and of course...Radio Raheem...is what makes this boombox a classic.  

Radio Raheem not only brought attention to this particular radio but he demonstrated the bold statement that the boombox could make.  It was a way of telling the world who you were and forcing them to remember you.  There couldn't be a more fitting tape to be in his box than Public Enemy's "Fight The Power."

PUBLIC ENEMY - FIGHT THE POWER CASSETTE SINGLE