Fallen Hip Hop heroes - Pay tribute

iamstop

I wanted to start a thread where we remember and pay respect to rappers/DJs/Producers/Graf artists who have died.

Not just a list, but individual posts paying respect.

To start, I'll go with Coolio.

I know he had a bit of a cornball/commercial image but his early career was actually pretty dope. Some great tracks on his first two albums and a gang of fresh verses on collabs. While he never regained the same level of commercial success, he kept working in the music game and even a bunch of acting work.

Died of an accidental OD in '22.

RIP Coolio

spacecoyote

I only found out in the last couple of weeks that Gift Of Gab died back in 2021.

Guy was a phenomenal talent, amazing rapper. His speed and lyricism were on another planet.

Blackalicious put out a couple of absolute hip-hop classics, their first two, Nia and Blazing Arrow in particular

waynescales1

Good idea for a thread. Been a lot of deaths in hip hop in the last 5-6 years.

DJ Clark Kent died in October of this year from cancer. Didn't know about it until just a few weeks ago. Produced some of the best tracks of all time…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3vOeCkeCNA

iamstop

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122985918#Comment_122985918

I had the pleasure of seeing him perform live a few years prior to his death. He was already having and showing health issues at the time. I believe he was mostly blind at the show I saw him. I remember where I was when I heard he passed away. I was sitting out the back of a friend's cabin with a fire going and a few beers. I bumped Blackalicious for the rest of the night on the bluetooth.

I had Melodica not long after it came out. Still bump it every now and then.

spacecoyote

Another death I stumbled across was DJ Spinbad. Was looking to find a couple of new mixes, but realised I had them all.

I imagine he's been an influence on you @iamstop

King of the mixtapes for me. To be honest, I discovered him through listening to a different dj, DJ Yoda who referred to him on his 80s edition mixtape.

Not just hip hop, all his mixes are amazing quality and techniy superb

iamstop

Yeah, I remember hearing about his passing. I was introduced to his work on the Return of The DJ comp series. If you're not familiar with that series, I fully recommend. There is 5 of them.

Gotta give an RIP to Roc Raida too.

GiftofGab

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122985918#Comment_122985918

Thanks for the complement but I'm still here, my friend!