Dynamax Roberts

 

 

(Born Joe Wayne Edmontson Roberts, Bronx, New York)

Dynamax Roberts is a Bronx-born recording artist, vocalist, DJ, and producer whose career bridges New York hip-hop, European electronic music, film soundtracks, and international cultural diplomacy.

 

 

Raised by his mother Marilyn Roberts and his stepfather, songwriter and producer Larry Roberts, Dynamax grew up immersed in professional music culture. Larry Roberts’ collaborations with artists such as Eddie Kendricks, The O'Jays, Ray, Goodman & Brown, The Escorts, Sylvia Robinson, and George Kerr provided an early blueprint for his understanding of songwriting, production, and the structure of the music business.

 

 

As a teenager, Dynamax spent time in Chicago with his biological father, where he deepened his self-education in music and performance. At 18, he returned to New York City, working in the mailroom at Time Warner while building relationships within the city’s club and underground music scenes.

International Breakthrough

 

 

 

Dynamax’s first major international exposure came through collaboration with pioneering French DJ and producer Dee Nasty, a foundational figure in European hip-hop culture. This connection helped open doors in France and led to projects affiliated with Universal’s European network between 2000 and 2004.

 

 

During this period, Dynamax contributed to multiple European releases, including work associated with the electronic crossover project One-T, which achieved commercial success in the French market in the early 2000s. He also contributed music to French cinema, including trailer and soundtrack placements for films produced by Luc Besson, expanding his profile into film scoring and sync placements.

 

 

 

Touring & Cultural Diplomacy

Over the course of his career, Dynamax has performed in 30 countries. He earned the nickname “Ambassador of Hip-Hop,” attributed to hip-hop pioneer Kool DJ Herc, in recognition of his international outreach and cultural contributions.

 

 

 

For six years, Dynamax collaborated with U.S. Embassy cultural programs across 13 African nations, performing, DJing, and conducting outreach initiatives that promoted hip-hop as a tool of cross-cultural exchange. He later received a Silver Humanitarian Award during the Biden administration in recognition of his international cultural and humanitarian work.

 

 

Broadcasting & Media

From 1999 through 2003, Dynamax hosted “Live From New York” on 88.2 Générations in Paris, one of France’s leading urban radio stations. The program became a respected platform for hip-hop culture during his time in Europe.

 

 

He later continued broadcasting under the Biggs Radio Network, founded by Dinahlynn Biggs, where his show featured interviews and performances with notable figures from the hip-hop community.

 

 

United Kingdom & Rock Evolution

After relocating to the United Kingdom, Dynamax reconnected with broadcaster and journalist Kris Needs, which led to collaboration with keyboardist Dom Beken. Beken is also known for touring with Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets.

 

 

This partnership resulted in the formation of Years of the Canine, blending hip-hop vocals with alternative and psychedelic rock production.

 

In 2019, the group released Underdog Nation Vol. 1 in the United States via OMO Entertainment LLC, distributed through CD Baby and major digital platforms. The project received recognition in the rock/rap category and was followed by performances in New York, Sweden, Nebraska, and North Carolina.

 

 

 

Recent International Collaborations

In 2024, Dynamax appeared on The Task Has Overwhelmed Us, the fourth volume of the tribute series honoring Jeffrey Lee Pierce of The Gun Club.

The release, issued by Glitterhouse Records, featured contributions from artists including Nick Cave, Debbie Harry, and Dave Gahan. Dynamax appears on the track “Bad America” alongside Sendelica and Wonder.

 

 

 

Independent Era

Dynamax currently operates Roberts Family Hits 68 LLC with his wife, Carrie Dowd Roberts. Under this imprint, he released his solo album Love Power & Sound (2023), featuring collaborations with:

LSK

Bone Crusher

DoItAll Dupré

Elda Sensei

Dee Nasty

Donald D

The project reflects his continued commitment to cross-genre collaboration and international creative partnerships.