Roc Raida (aka Anthony Williams) of The X-Ecutioners crew and Busta Rhymes’ personal DJ has reportedly passed away today, September 19, 2009. Read the rest of this entry »

Travis Barker and Blink 182 fought through tears Saturday night to honor their longtime friend DJ AM at their Hartford CT show. DJ AM (born Adam Goldstein) was found dead in his NYC apartment last Friday.

Slum Village MC Baatin has died. He was only 35.

From Detroit Free Press:

Baatin, who turned 35 in March, had left Slum Village in 2002 amid health problems, but was reported to have returned for tracks on the group’s upcoming album, “Villa Manifesto.”

“He was a very spiritual brother,” said Detroiter Khalid el-Hakim, founder of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum. “He brought a spirituality to Detroit hip-hop that you didn’t see with other artists. That’s what he was known for.”
Fellow group founder James (J. Dilla) Yancey, Baatin’s Pershing High School classmate, passed away in 2006.

Rest in power, Baatin. All the best to his family.

By now you’ve probably heard that Atlanta rapper Dolla was shot and killed in L.A. this afternoon. As dumb luck would have it, my brother from another mother Ivan Rott was within the vicinity of a rapper’s death for just the 3rd time. Ivan was kind enough to string a few words on what he witnessed right after the shooting.

Proceed for Ivan’s personal account of the tragic incident. Read the rest of this entry »

Exactly two years ago, the godfather of music James Brown passed away. Today, this unfortunate pattern of Christmas Day deaths has claimed yet another victim, music icon and OG Catwoman Eartha Kitt. She was 81. [CNN]

Proceed to hear Kitt sing “Santa Baby.” Read the rest of this entry »

Hip-hop lost a soldier named MC Breed last Saturday. Following an outpour of support from the hip-hop community, Breed’s family has now released a statement expressing gratitude to all.

Says Breed’s family:

“We are saddened by our great loss. More than just an artist, we mourn the loss of a beloved father, son, brother and friend. We are overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. We are thankful and blessed to have been in his presence and want him to be remembered for his creative, caring, talented and hard-working spirit.”

Says Breed’s Management (Darryl and Lisa Morris of Vanglorious Entertainment):

“Managing Breed changed our lives for the better. He was more than an artist, he was family. He touched so many and is credited with inspiring many of the hip hop acts in music today. Words can’t express how much he will be missed.”

Breed leaves behind 5 children: Kiara Monique (18), Erica Ariel (16), Alexis Cymone (14), Marco “MC” Chene (9), and Eric Jalen (1). My sincere condolences to his family.

R.I.P. MC Breed.

Mr. Johnson – My Dedication

Today marks the 1st anniversary of Disco D’s death. During his last month in New York, Disco created a track for Nas & Jay-Z, but Def Jam didn’t buy it because of clearance issues. So, Disco gave the joint to longtome friend Mr. Johnson, who decided to rhyme over the track in his honor.

Question is, if Mr. Johnson wrote this song on the eve of Disco’s death, how did he know what was about to happen?

Rest in power, Disco.