Radio DJ and producer Mister Cee’s death has been announced by Hot97, the station he dedicated years of his life to.
Tributes for Mister Cee, whose cause of death at 57 is unknown, have included moving messages from famous faces like 50 Cent.
The disc jockey, real name Calvin LeBrun, was a prominent feature of New York radio from the early 90s but is also largely credited as the person who discovered Notorious B.I.G.
Before Biggie Smalls was signed to Bad Boy Records, LeBrun — nicknamed The Finisher — helped produce and record his popular 1994 album Best of Biggie.
Hot97 shared: ‘As a family at HOT 97 and WBLS, we’re deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Mister Cee, he wasn’t just a DJ; he was a pillar of our stations, bringing joy to countless listeners with his legendary Throwback at Noon and Friday Night Live sets.
They added: ‘Mr. Cee’s influence stretched far beyond the airwaves, shaping the very fabric of NYC’s DJ culture.
‘Our hearts are heavy as we send our love and condolences to his family and the fans whose lives he touched through his music, rest easy, Mr. Cee. Your legacy will live forever.’
Leading the tributes was rapper 50 Cent who shared: ‘R.I.P to the legend MR. Cee God bless him, to all his family and friends I send my condolences.’
‘Rest In Peace DJ Mister Cee,’ wrote DJ Jazzy Jeff with a throwback picture of the pair together.
Also sharing a snap with the industry legend, MC Lyte wrote: ‘I’m heartbroken. Wasn’t expecting this at all 😢. God Bless his soul. Mister Cee 🖤Rest in power & peace!! 🙏🏽🖤’
Mister Cee also had a close friendship with rapper Big Daddy Kane, having been friends since high school and often serving as his private DJ for events.
For 21 years LeBrun worked on the airwaves with his popular Throwback at Noon, which featured many artists like 50 Cent, Alicia Keys and Jay-Z before their fame.
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