Texas rapper and music producer BeatKing died after suffering a pulmonary embolism.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The 39-year-old star, real name Justin Riley, was rushed to hospital on Thursday after he fainted during a morning takeover of a radio show.
He passed away later that same day with his two daughters by his side, a representative told the outlet, adding: ‘It is truly sad, we loved him so much.’
Riley was also known as ClubGodzilla and for his song ‘Then Leave’ which went viral in 2020.
His manager had confirmed his passing in an Instagram post, saying he had been ‘the best part of the club for over a decade’.
The post said: ‘Today, August 15 2024 we have lost ClubGodzilla. BeatKing has been the best part of the club for over a decade.
ABOUT BEATKING
‘He has produced and worked with so many artists, that his sound will forever live. He loved his daughters, his music and his fans. We will love him forever.’
Other hits include ‘SDAB’, which featured 2Chainz and Juicy J, ‘Outside’ and ‘Keep It Poppin’ feat. Ludacris and Queendom Come.
BeatKing was a transformative figure in Southern rap. He was prolific throughout his career, amassing millions of views on often viral songs.
TRIBUTES
Fellow rapper Bun B shared a tribute on his own Instagram, saying: ‘It’s always the good ones.
‘Damn this s*** hurt. Just a great spirited person. We lost a talented artist and father.’
While group Three 6 Mafia commented on his manager’s post: ‘RIP MANE!!! GREAT BROTHER!!’
In May of this year, he made an appearance during a Nicki Minaj show at the Toyota Center in Houston alongside famed rapper 50 Cent.
During an interview with HotNewHipHop in 2022, he said his identity of wearing t-shirts with humorous slogans on them was born out of necessity.
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