DJ Jazzy Jeff is mourning the lack of DJ Gary O, one other pioneering Philly artist.
Jeff shared the information through Instagram on Thursday (December 19) and lamented the variety of buddies/Hip-Hop legends who’ve died lately, together with considered one of his finest buddies Biz Markie.
“You had been MY OG…for 40 plus years,” he started. “You had been there from my begin…you traveled across the globe with me…Miami LA Dubai…you DJed my marriage ceremony…You had been my FRIEND…
I misplaced Biz…Clark Kent now YOU…I’m crushed proper now…Thank You GO for EVERYTHING…You’ll all the time be be LEGENDARY.”
Jazzy Jeff included a number of pictures of Gary O, though he didn’t share a reason for dying. In reality, that has but to be disclosed wherever.
Gary O was a outstanding Philadelphia-based radio and membership DJ with a profession spanning over 43 years. He was instrumental within the success of Gotham, a famend Philadelphia membership, and was related to WDAS FM, internet hosting occasions just like the WDAS Dwell Saturday Evening Dance Occasion at Harrah’s On line casino in Chester. He was additionally identified for his contributions to the Philadelphia music scene, opening doorways and galvanizing many within the business.
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As DJ Jazzy Jeff famous, the Hip-Hop neighborhood has suffered quite a few deaths of a few of its most beloved members. Extra just lately, DJ Clark Kent misplaced his battle with colon most cancers. A rumor he’d died went rampant on social media in October, however it turned out to be false.
However October 24, fellow New York Metropolis Hip-Hop vet Eric B. shared the information on Instagram, writing merely, “Relaxation in Peace.” He additionally verified it with AllHipHop through textual content, assuring us he obtained the knowledge from Clark Kent’s household.
The household quickly issued its personal assertion, writing, “IT IS WITH DEEP SADNESS THAT WE SHARE THE PASSING OF BELOVED RODOLFO A. FRANKLIN, KNOWN TO THE WORLD AS DJ CLARK KENT. CLARK PASSED AWAY THURSDAY EVENING SURROUNDED BY HIS WIFE KESHA DAUGHTER KABRIAH AND SON ANTONIO.”
Biz Markie, alternatively, died in 2021 from stroke issues stemming from diabetes. The Juice Crew rapper had been struggling together with his well being for over a yr. In July 2020, he was in a Maryland space hospital receiving remedy associated to Sort II diabetes. Pals of Biz began to fret once they hadn’t heard any updates for six months.
“He’s not doing nice, however it’s not as scandalous because it felt to start with,” a supply instructed me on the time. “Brief story is Biz is diabetic, he had slipped right into a diabetic coma, however that has occurred to him up to now and it will solely final a short time. He would go to the hospital, get discharged and get his meds underneath management. This explicit time, he had a stroke whereas he was in the midst of the coma.”
Sadly, Biz didn’t make it and died at 57, a disturbing pattern as of late. Many Hip-Hop artists aren’t dwelling past 50 or 60, one thing that many really feel must be addressed. That doesn’t even embody the 20 and 30-somethings who’re dropping their lives to gun violence and overdoses. AllHipHop sends its condolences to Gary O’s family and friends.
