2 Chainz, Bun B and Juicy J are among those who have paid tribute to rapper and producer BeatKing after his death at the age of 39.
The Houston star’s death was confirmed by his manager Tasha Felder in an Instagram post on Thursday (August 15).
“Today, August 15, 2024 we have lost @clubgodzilla,” she wrote. “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.”
No cause of death has yet been publicly revealed.
UPDATE: According to TMZ, BeatKing died due to a pulmonary embolism, which is when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the lungs.
He was doing a morning takeover at a radio station when he fainted and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later passed away with his two daughters by his side.
Tributes to BeatKing (real name Justin Riley) quickly began pouring in from various artists that he worked with over his career, as well as Southern rap legends.
2 Chainz, for whom BeatKing produced “Pop Music,” wrote on Instagram: “My condolences @clubgodzilla ….. God Bless your soul and family.”
Three 6 Mafia’s Juicy J added on X (formerly Twitter): “Rip BEATKING damn this one hurt.”
Fellow Texas native Bun B reacted to the sad news by writing: “It’s always the good ones. Damn this shit hurt. Just a great spirited person. We lost a talented artist and father. Prayer for @talameshia and his loved ones. RIP @clubgodzilla.”
Rip BEATKING damn this one hurt
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) August 16, 2024
Local radio station 97.9 The Box also paid tribute, saying in a statement: “Our hearts are heavy with the news that BeatKing, family to us here at 97.9 The Box and Radio ONE Houston, has passed away.
“This is a developing story, but we are sending our love to his loved ones, friends, peers, and the whole city of Houston. We love you, BeatKing.”
BeatKing’s most recent chart success was 2020’s “Then Leave” which went viral on TikTok, with it being used in over 150,000 videos on the social media platform.
He was best known as being a staple of the Houston club scene, with his tracks frequently played in strip clubs as well as college campuses around the city.
BeatKing also worked with the likes of Moneybagg Yo, Erica Banks, Armani Caesar and Ludacris.
His most recent album, Never Leave Houston on a Sunday, was released just last month through his own record label.
HipHopDX sends its condolences to BeatKing’s family and friends.