Houston rapper and producer BeatKing, best known for hits like “Crush,” tragically passed away on Thursday at the age of 39.
The artist, whose real name was Justin Riley, succumbed to a pulmonary embolism at a hospital in Houston, as confirmed by his manager, Tasha Felder, in a statement to Entertainment Weekly.
According to Felder, BeatKing was at an Urban One (Radio One) station participating in a morning show takeover when he suddenly collapsed.
He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died, with his daughters by his side throughout the ordeal. Felder expressed her deep sorrow, saying, “It is truly heartbreaking; we loved him dearly.”
Felder honored BeatKing’s life and illustrious career in a heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday. “Today, August 15, 2024, we lost @Clubgodzilla. For over a decade, BeatKing has been the heartbeat of the club scene,” she wrote.
“His contributions to music, having produced and collaborated with numerous artists, ensure that his sound will resonate forever. He cherished his daughters @clubgodparenting, his music, and his fans. We will hold him in our hearts forever.”
Known also by the moniker Club Godzilla, BeatKing gained widespread recognition with his viral hit “Crush” in the summer of 2010, a track that was later featured on his acclaimed 2011 album, Kings of the Club.
A highly prolific songwriter, BeatKing released over 15 albums during his career and frequently collaborated with notable artists like Erica Banks, Lil Jon, Ying Yang Twins, Ludacris, Bun B, and Big Jade. He appeared on several hit tracks, including 2Chainz’s 2022 single “Pop Music,” and Slim Thug’s 2015 hit “Get It In.”
Known for his distinctive style, often wearing t-shirts with witty sayings, BeatKing also made waves with his 2020 collaboration with Queendom Come, “Then Leave,” which became a TikTok sensation.
He also teamed up with the late Three Six Mafia rapper Gangsta Boo on the Underground Cassette Tape Music albums, released in 2014 and 2018.
BeatKing is survived by his two daughters, Jayla and Kayla.
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