Raymond L. Brooks, II (Hitman Brooks).: Drummer/Percussionist. Raymond began playing drums at the age of five while growing up in Charlottesville, VA. As a young man he developed a musical foundation by playing in band from elementary school through high school, including years in marching band. After moving to Washington, DC in the 90's, he nourished his rhythmical roots in the rich culture of musical diversity the city provided. Exposed to Latin, Afro Cuban, West African, jazz, gospel and DC's original go-go sound, Raymond developed his unique percussive style while performing for audiences in venues such as poetry readings, churches, musicals, concerts, nightspots and community drum circles.

Raymond was the percussionist for a Maryland-based smooth jazz band which afforded him the opportunity to perform in venues with acclaimed smooth jazz artists and performed as the percussionist with several other DC area smooth jazz bands.

Living by the words "keep the rhythm strong," Raymond spends time giving back to youth and his community. He was an drum instructor at the Laurel School of Music in Laurel, MD. In Raymond's  leisure time he gives instruction to young, aspiring percussionists and leads community drum circles for musical, professional and academic audiences throughout the Triad area of NC.