One of the most iconic producers in hip-hop, DJ Mark the 45 King, has reportedly died at the age of 62, just days after his birthday.
Reps announced the sudden death of The 45 King, though they did not cite the producer's cause of death.
According to reports, a good friend and collaborator of The 45 King revealed his death through a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: "R.I.P DJ Mark The 45 King who passed this morning, Oct. 19.
"An icon [...] His sound was unlike any other from his heavy drums and his horns were so distinct on every production.
"[...] Sleep Peacefully Mark thank you for all that you've done.
You're such a special part of our culture that is chiseled in the stone of the greatest parts of us. LOVE YOU MARK," DJ Premiere wrote.
The 45 King's Legacy
According to reports, The 45 King, born Mark Howard James, was best known for his contribution to the music industry and hip-hop as he produced some of the most well-known songs from the genre for artists like Queen Latifah, Eminem, Jay-Z, Madonna, Salt-N-Pepa, Lakim Shabazz, Chill Rob G, Apache, and more.
He had a hand in producing Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)," Eminem's "Stan," Queen Latifah's "Wrath of My Madness" and "Ladies First," Chill Rob G's "Court is in Session," and more.
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Eminem, Queen Latifah Pay Tribute to The 45 King
Given The 45 King's numerous contributions to the hip-hop genre and the music industry, there was no surprise when The 45 King's collaborators came to pay their tributes to him through social media posts.
"Legends are never over. #RIP Mark Howard James aka the 45 King ... I'm 4ever grateful!!!" Eminem wrote.
Jay-Z wrote: "Thank you Mark. Your instrumentals, namely 'The 900 Number,' were more memorable than our whole albums. You gave me a canvas to have a conversation with the world!! You changed my life. Even when the life is short, the art is long!!"
"It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved Mentor DJ Mark the 45 King!," Queen Latifah wrote.
"He believed in me before anyone else. He touched every life he encountered. I've never met someone like him; he wanted everyone around him to win. His spirit was magic and will certainly live forever."
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