Industry Passings honoring radio, music, and media professionals whose contributions shaped the business, documenting their careers, leadership, and lasting impact on the industry.
Alfa Anderson, Chic’s Front Woman, Dies
Alfa Anderson, the iconic lead vocalist of disco legends Chic, has passed away. The singer helped define the disco era alongside Nile Rodgers....
Hip-Hop Mourns: Rapper Chino XL Dead at 50 (video) –
Hip-hop legend Chino XL has passed away at age 50. The respected lyricist was known for his complex wordplay and controversial feuds throughout his career....
Remembering DJ Super Snake: A Valley Radio Legend
DJ Super Snake, beloved Valley radio legend known for his infectious energy and distinctive laugh, passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning. The Phoenix native worked at...
Tupac’s Mother , Afeni Shakur Dead at Age 69
Afeni Shakur, mother of rap legend Tupac and former Black Panther activist, has died at age 69 from cardiac arrest. She was instrumental in preserving...
Takeoff’s Funeral: Rickey Smiley Show
Cardi B delivers emotional tribute to late Migos rapper Takeoff at his funeral service. Da Brat shares touching details from the State Farm Arena ceremony....
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price, Bible Teacher, Dies
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price, founder of Crenshaw Christian Center and influential Bible teacher, passed away February 12th after COVID-19 complications. The 89-year-old minister was known...
South African Music Pioneer Chris Ghelakis Passes Away at 70
South African music pioneer Chris Ghelakis, founder of Electromode and former owner of The Thunderdome venue, has died at 70 after battling cancer....
Three 6 Mafia’s Koopsta Knicca Dies from Massive Stroke
Three 6 Mafia member Koopsta Knicca died at age 40 from a massive stroke. The Memphis rapper, born Robert Cooper Phillips, was remembered by DJ...
Princes Passing: Is His Publishing Now Up for Grabs?
Prince's death raises questions about his valuable music catalog and publishing rights. The private, unmarried artist left behind an amazing catalog with unclear ownership....
Ken Spellman aka “Special K” has Died
Industry veteran Ken Spellman, known as 'Special K,' has passed away. The digital creator founded Soundcheck Media Group and served as Program Director at Sirius...
8 Mile Actor Nashawn Breedlove Has Died
Nashawn Breedlove, the actor who played Lotto in Eminem's 8 Mile movie, has died at age 46. The New Jersey resident passed away in his...
Melvin “Magoo” Barcliff Dies; Timbaland Offers Condolences
Rapper Magoo (Melvin Barcliff) has died at age 50, prompting heartfelt tributes from longtime collaborator Timbaland and the hip-hop community....
Clarence Avant, Influential Music Executive, Dies at 92
Clarence Avant, legendary music executive known as 'The Black Godfather,' has died at 92. The influential power broker shaped careers of countless artists and bridged...
Ron Sexton, Bob & Tom Show Cast Member, Dies at 47
Ron Sexton, known as "Donnie Baker" on The Bob & Tom Show, died at 47 while on tour in Ohio. The beloved radio personality created...
Larry Myers Jr. Dies: Buttermilk Biscuits Star
Larry Myers Jr., known as 'Mr. Buttermilk Biscuits' from TLC's My 600-Lb. Life, has died after suffering a heart attack in Houston. The gospel singer...
Houston Rapper Big Pokey Dies After Onstage Fall in Beaumont
Houston rapper Big Pokey tragically died after collapsing onstage during a performance in Beaumont. The SUC member and DJ Screw collaborator was a pioneer of...
Person Linked to Young Dolph’s Murder Found Dead
Joshua Taylor, identified as a person of interest in Young Dolph's murder case, was fatally shot in Orange Mound according to his family and Memphis...
Ray Lewis’ Son Ray Lewis III has Died at 28
Ray Lewis III, son of Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis, has tragically passed away at age 28. The former college football player also pursued...
Jacky Oh, Wild N Out Star, Dies at 32
Jacky Oh, Wild N' Out star and DC Young Fly's partner, has died at age 32 from complications following a mommy makeover cosmetic procedure....
Takeoff’s Alleged Killer Charged With Murder
Patrick Xavier Clark has been formally charged with the murder of Migos rapper Takeoff by a Harris County Grand Jury. The timing for the murder...
WZAK Radio Legend Lynn Tolliver Dies
Radio legend Lynn Tolliver, who put WZAK on the map in the 80s and 90s, has died after battling medical problems. The industry veteran also...
BTB Savage, Ex-Military Rapper, Killed in Houston
BTB Savage, 26-year-old rapper and military veteran, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Houston after discussing a previous robbery attempt on VladTV....
Industry Vet B. Jeffery Grant Clark has Died
Industry veteran B. Jeffery Grant Clark, longtime RCA Inspiration executive and former Buffalo radio DJ, has passed away. The respected music executive was known for...
David Jude Jolicoeur Trugoy the Dove of De La Soul Dies
Trugoy the Dove, born David Jude Jolicoeur and founding member of legendary hip-hop trio De La Soul, has died at age 54 from heart complications....
Iconic Music Composer Burt Bacharach has Died
Legendary composer Burt Bacharach has died at age 94. Known for iconic hits with Dionne Warwick and other stars, his distinctive sound defined decades of...