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New York Post
Houston rapper and producer BeatKing dead at 39: ‘It is truly sad, we loved him so much’
By Alexandra Bellusci,
6 hours ago
The rap world has lost one of its own.
Well-known Houston rapper BeatKing, also known as Justin Riley, has died at age 39.
A rep for BeatKing, Tasha Felder, revealed the artist passed away in a Houston, Texas, hospital on Thursday after suffering a pulmonary embolism, per TMZ .
BeatKing attends the “Trapper of the Year” art exhibit Honoring MoneyBagg Yo at Trap Music Museum on March 24, 2022. WireImage The late rapper BeatKing poses on Instagram in June. clubgodzilla/Instagram
According to the outlet, the rapper was on the air doing a morning takeover at the Urban One/Radio One station when he fainted and was rushed to the hospital.
Felder added that BeatKing passed away that same day with his two daughters by his side.
The rep noted, “It is truly sad, we loved him so much.”
BeatKing performs at Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash 25 at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium at Georgia State University on July 17, 2021. WireImage BeatKing (right) interviews with DTLR radio backstage during Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash 25 at Center Parc Stadium on July 17, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia. Getty Images
Felder also took to social media to share a touching tribute to her client.
“Today, August 15, 2024, we have lost @Clubgodzilla,” she wrote on Instagram Thursday. “BeatKing has been the best part of the club for over a decade. He has produced and worked with so many artists, that his sound will forever live. He loved his daughters @clubgodparenting, his music and his fans. We will love him forever.”
Felder also included solo shots of BeatKing and pictures with his daughters.
BeatKing, also known as Justin Riley, rocks a red jacket with his Club Godzilla logo on it, black jeans and matching sneakers in March. clubgodzilla/Instagram
Underground Kingz member Bun B also paid tribute to BeatKing on Instagram.
“It’s always the good ones. Damn this s–t hurt. Just a great spirited person. We lost a talented artist and father,” he wrote . “Prayer for @talameshia and his loved ones. RIP @clubgodzilla.”
A month later, the fallen star was spotted with Drake, but it is unclear if the musicians had plans to collaborate.
BeatKing went viral in 2020 with his TikTok hit “Then Leave” and gained international recognition for the tune.
The father of two first appeared on the music scene with his 2010 album “Kings of the Club,” and continued to create hit songs such as “SDAB” featuring 2 Chainz and Juicy J , “Outside,” “Keep It Poppin” featuring Ludacris and “Queendom Come.”
BeatKing poses with friends in 2023. clubgodzilla/Instagram
Following BeatKing’s death, 2 Chainz reposted a clip of himself during a 2022 interview, where he gave a shout-out to working with the rapper.
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