Posts Tagged ‘death’

Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly of Kriss Kross Found Dead

Posted: May 1, 2013 in Music News
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Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly, one half of the multi-platinum 90s duo Kriss Kross, has died tonight in Atlanta. He was 34 years old.

Kelly was found unresponsive in his home earlier tonight around 7:25 p.m. EST. He was rushed to Atlanta Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

At press time, a cause of death has not been determined.

Discovered as a adolescent in an Atlanta mall by So So Def founder Jermaine Dupri, Kelly and rhyme partner Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith scored their first big hit with 1992′s “Jump.” The song would spend eight weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Top 100 and go double platinum. Their debut album, Totally Krossed Out, would go 4X platinum that same year.

The group would released two more albums: 1993′s Da Bomb (platinum) and 1996′s Young, Rich and Dangerous (gold).

Kriss Kross’s final appearance came earlier this year when the duo performed as a part of the So So Def Reunion show in Atlanta.

More on this story as it develops.

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Marco Polo ft. Talib Kweli & DJ Premier – “G.U.R.U.”

Posted: April 18, 2013 in Music News
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It’s hard to believe that three years have passed since the death of Guru. Marco Polo continues his excellent legends series with a tribute helmed by Talib Kweli and scratches from who else but DJ Premier. Polo’s PA2: The Director’s Cut is set to drop in July via Soulspazm Records. If you’re feeling this, you can purchase the track here.

Tomorrow marks the three-year anniversary of the passing of the legendary G.U.R.U. of Gang Starr. I decided to this leak this record one day early to ensure DJ’s and everyone can have it ready for his anniversary and it can be played tomorrow. This is one of the most important records I’ve ever been a part of. Thank you to Talib Kweli and DJ Premier for being a part of this incredible record! We will also be premiering the “G.U.R.U.” video very soon (which is directed by Todd Angkasuwan) so stay tuned. Please help share this record and celebrate the life of an artist who influenced myself and so many others in Hip-Hop and music period! R.I.P. Keith Edward Elam aka G.U.R.U. (Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal)!

Lupe Fiasco – “Jonylah Forever”

Posted: March 15, 2013 in Music News
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She lives as long as we do. She will live forever. God bless your soul and the family you left behind. We Love You.

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The violence in Chicago has claimed another young life. In this case, it was the accidental shooting of a six-month old baby named Jonylah Watkins. With Soundtrakk behind the boards, Lupe delivers a solemn tribute.

J Dilla ft. Frank N Dank – “Anthem”

Posted: February 11, 2013 in Music News
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With “Dilla Day” just passing last week, the vaults are being opened on the late producer’s prodigious catalogue. “Anthem” was recorded circa 2001-2002 and features Dilla stepping behind the mic with friends Frank N Dank. This track, along with a b-side entitled “Trucks,” will be released as a vinyl on April 15 via the Dilla estate established Pay Jay label.

RIP: Donald Byrd 1932-2013

Posted: February 7, 2013 in Music News
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Jazz legend Donald Byrd has passed away at the age of 80, confirmed his nephew and fellow artist Alex Bugnon.

Byrd, whose career spanned over 50 years, was a frontrunner in several music movements including hard bop, jazz fusion, R&B and later Hip-Hop through sampling of his work on classic tracks like Black Moon’s “Buck ‘Em Down (Remix)” and Main Source’s “Looking At the Front Door.”

Later in his career, Byrd lent his talents to education, teaching at higher institutions such as Columbia, Rutgers, Howard and New York University.

At press time, the cause of death has not been made public. Byrd, according to Bugnon, passed away on Monday (February 4).

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RIP: Omar Henry 1987-2013

Posted: February 1, 2013 in Fight News
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The boxing world is in mourning with the news of Omar Henry’s passing this morning from gall bladder cancer.

The 25-year-old junior middleweight fighter was diagnosed with the disease in November when he was forced to pull out of a scheduled national TV appearance on Showtime. The diagnosis was Stage 4 cancer.

Henry chose to deal with his illness publicly, making regular updates to fans and well-wishers via his Twitter and Facebook accounts.

On Thursday, Henry would make his final post vowing to continue fighting.

To all my friends and loyal fans I want to inform you all that I am fighting the fight of my life against a disease known as gallbladder cancer. While lm in this current state I am fighting with my family by my side and I will not go down for the count. I am a champion who has chosen to fight not just for myself but for those who’s faith is believing in what u cant see, and i will continue tofight!!!!!and fight!!!!!and fight!!!!!till I knock this sickness out. Your love and support mean the most to me, your prayers are prayers not only to me but to others like me. Please be advised l am grateful for any and all support in any kind of way please inbox me. My family has continued to be by my side, and its hard for them as well. I want to thank God for unconditional love and unconditional fans. Thanks again Omar Henry

Henry’s final ring record is 12-0-1 (9 KOs).

Those seeking to make donations for Henry’s final arrangements and family can do so at OmarDHenry87@gmail.com.

At press time, funeral arrangements have not been announced.

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I can’t even imagine the mental devastation of having your life completely changed in just a matter of months. From being a robust, healthy athlete to losing massive amounts of weight and being told by a doctor that your death is imminent.

Through it all, Henry never lost his will to live.

When someone passes from cancer, we routinely say they “lost” their fight with the disease. In Henry’s case, the inspiration he provided people with his poise in the face of his final fight ensures his spirit remains unconquered.

Rest in peace, Omar.

[Video] Ohio Players Frontman Sugarfoot Passes Away at 70

Posted: January 27, 2013 in Music News
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Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner, frontman of the legendary soul band The Ohio Players, has died at the age of 70. At press time, no cause of death has been disclosed.

Formed in 1959 as the Ohio Untouchables, the group that came to be known as the Ohio Players went through numerous lineup changes before finding success in the early 70s with tracks such as “Funky Worm,” “Skin Tight” and “Fire.” In addition to being well-known for their erotic album covers, the group would find new life in the late 80s and 90s courtesy of their music being sampled by the likes of NWA, A Tribe Called Quest, J Dilla, Masta Ace and many others. It’s estimated that the group has been sampled well over 250 times.

In recent years, Sugarfoot remained active on the concert circuit. Below is footage shot from Sugarfoot’s 2008 appearance in Atlanta.

A detailed tribute on the Ohio Player’s contributions to Hip-Hop will be posted in the coming days along with further details on this story as they become available.

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[Update] Hector Camacho Dead at 50 Following Drive-by Shooting

Posted: November 24, 2012 in Fight News
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Former super-featherweight, lightweight and junior welterweight champion Hector “Macho” Camacho, who’s hand speed, flamboyant attire and trash-talking made him one of the most well-known fighters of the 80s and early 90s, died earlier this morning after being taken off life support following a deadly drive-by shooting Wednesday night in Puerto Rico that left him with multiple gunshot wounds and a companion dead.

Doctor Ernesto Torres of the Centro Medico was initially optimistic about Camacho’s survival chances, but confirmed that tests showed no brain activity. Camacho’s mother Maria Matias advised media yesterday that she made the decision to remove her son from life support over the protests of several family members, including Camacho’s sons.

“I lost my son three days ago. He’s alive only because of a machine,” said Matias. “My son is not alive. My son is only alive for the people who love him.”

The 50-year-old Camacho was shot in his native Bayamon while sitting in the front passenger seat of a Ford Mustang. The bullets struck the left side of his jaw, shoulder and fractured two vertebrates. Camacho went into cardiac arrest the night of the shooting and was declared brain dead the following day. His companion in the car, Adrian Mojica Moreno, was killed at the scene.

At press time, police have confirmed two gunmen were seen fleeing the crime. Although 10 bags of cocaine were found in the car, a detailed motive has not been disclosed by authorities.

According to the fighter’s publicist Steve Tannenbaum, Camacho was considering a 2013 comeback, having last fought in 2010, losing a 10 round unanimous decision to Saul Duran. His current record, dating back to 1980, stands at 79-6-3 with 38 KOs without ever suffering a KO defeat despite fights against prime versions of Julio Cesar Chavez, Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad.

Camacho is survived by four sons and two grandsons.

Carmen Basilio Passes Away at 85

Posted: November 7, 2012 in Fight News
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Former welterweight and middleweight champion Carmen Basilio, who scored wins in classic fights against Tony DeMarco and Sugar Ray Robinson, has passed away early this morning at Rochester General Hospital in New York.

According to International Boxing Hall of Fame executive director Edward Brophy, Basilio died from pneumonia

Known by the nickname of “The Onion Farmer” due to his family’s agricultural background, Basilio fought from 1948-1961. His best run was 1955-1958, starting with a TKO over Tony DeMarco to capture the welterweight title. Basilio would receive the RING Magazine Fight of the Year with another thrilling knockout over DeMarco in a rematch that same year. He would lose the title to Johnny Saxton by unanimous decision in 1956 only to avenge the loss by a ninth round knockout in a rematch that same year.

Basilio would get Fight of the Year in 1957 and 1958 for his two epic middleweight battles with Sugar Ray Robinson. Basilio would outfight Robinson down the stretch of the first bout to score a 15 round split decision. In the rematch, a Robinson right uppercut caused Basilio’s left eye to swell to grotesque level by the middle rounds. However, Basilio would not quit and narrowly lost, this time on the wrong end of a split decision. An anticipated rubbermatch would not happen due to a dispute over money.

Basilio would finish his career with a record of 56-16-7, with 27 KOs. In retirement, Basilio worked as a physical education teacher at Le Moyne College in Syracuse and eventually settled in Irondequoit, New York. His hometown of Canastota, where the International Boxing Hall of Fame is located, will fly their flag at half-mast in tribute.

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[VIDEO] RIP: Blaque’s Natina Reed’s Final Interview at Left Eye Music Festival

Posted: October 27, 2012 in Music News
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Earlier today, the sad news broke on Twitter that Natina Reed of the late 90s group Blaque was killed a car accident late Friday night. Contrary to those initial reports, Reed was not killed in a hit and run — the 32 year old singer was struck by a Honda Accord while walking on Lawrenceville Highway. The accident was reported by the driver and while an investigation is still pending, the driver is not expected to be charged.

The two surviving members of Blaque, Shamari Fears-Devoe and Brandi Williams, released a joint statement revealing the group had recently reunited and were working on a new music. An album had been worked on in 2005 that has never been released.

Blaque’s biggest hits were “808″ and “Bring It All To Me.” Reed ventured out into acting in 2000, starring in Bring It On with Gabrielle Union.

Natina Reed is surivived by her 10-year-old son Tren Brown with DPG’s Kurupt. Below is her final interview at the Left Eye Music Festival held in July.

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