Renowned Hitmaker for Jay-Z, Eminem, Queen Latifah, the 45 King, Passes Away at 62

2023-10-22 05:31:03

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Hip-Hop Hitmaker the 45 King Passes Away at 62

Mark Howard James, known as the influential hip-hop DJ and producer the 45 King, has died at the age of 62. The news of his passing was first announced by DJ Premier on Instagram, stating that it occurred three days after James' birthday. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

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"His sound was unlike any other, with heavy drums and distinct horns on every production," DJ Premier expressed in tribute. "His vinyl releases of breakbeats are legendary, surpassing those of any DJ from the 80s and 90s. You're such a special part of our culture."

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The 45 King's contributions to the music industry are undeniable, as seen in his notable hits such as Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" and Eminem's "Stan," which featured unique samples that became iconic in their respective tracks.

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"Legends are never over. #RIP Mark Howard James aka The 45 King ... I'm 4ever grateful!!!" - Eminem

The impact of the 45 King extended beyond his production work, as he played a significant role in the careers of artists like Queen Latifah. She shared, "He believed in me before anyone else. His spirit was magic and will certainly live forever."

Born and raised in New York City, the 45 King later became an integral part of the hip-hop scene in New Jersey. Alongside artists such as Queen Latifah, he collaborated with notable names like Gang Starr and MC Lyte, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Despite struggling with drug addiction in the early 90s, the 45 King's talent continued to shine through. Jay-Z praised his genius, stating, "He does these great, remarkable cultural things that just grab culture. And then he just disappears for years."

James remained active in recent years, including hosting his own interview show on YouTube called "Making the Beat." He also explored other creative avenues, appearing in a horror thriller and sharing his unique beats on his YouTube page.

Tributes Pour In for the Late Hip-Hop Pioneer

Following the news of his passing, the hip-hop community mourned the loss of the 45 King. Artists such as The Alchemist and Kid Capri paid tribute to his groundbreaking contributions and remembered him as one of the most gifted individuals in the music industry.

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