BeatKing, Texas Rapper & Producer, Dead At 39 Of Pulmonary Embolism

BeatKing, beloved Houston rapper and producer, has died at age 39.

Winsome Sinclair, Beloved Casting Director, Dead At 58

Tasha Felder, BeatKing’s manager, shared the news on Instagram on Thursday (Aug. 15), typing, “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.” TMZ reports the cause of death as a pulmonary embolism. He was reportedly doing morning radio at a Houston Urban One/Radio One station when he fainted and was rushed to the hospital, where he passed.

News of BeatKing, né Justin Riley, passing immediately triggered a shockwave throughout the music industry. Condolences from Three 6 Mafia, Westside Gunn, Bun B, 2 Chainz, Yung Nation, Juicy J, Buckshotz, and more came pouring in, showing love to the “young Houston legend.”

“It’s always the good ones. Damn this sh*t hurt . Just a great-spirited person. We lost a talented artist and father. Prayer for @talameshia and his loved ones. RIP @clubgodzilla ,” Bun B typed in his tribute on IG.

Riley rose to prominence in the 2010s, becoming known for his booming voice, signature hijinks, and raunchy club bangers. For this, some have labeled him as the next-gen Uncle Luke. He released a string of regional hits that would go on to soundtrack the nightlife of Texans and Southern HBCU students alike. These tracks included “Then Leave,” with Queendom Come, “THICK,” “Throw Dat,” “U Ain’t Bout That Life,” and “Hammer,” amongst many other fan-favorites.

High-Profile Attorney Who Represented Foxy Brown Found Dead In His Car

BeatKing’s “Then Leave,” reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart and No. 48 on the the outlet’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Justin Riley is survived by his two daughters, who he has mentioned in various songs and online posts, and numerous family members.

VIBE sends our deepest condolences to BeatKing’s family and all those affected by this loss.

Wally Amos, Founder Of Famous Amos Cookies, Dead At 88