Tributes have come pouring in from all corners of hip-hop as it has been reported that the legendary Brooklyn DJ and record executive Mister Cee has died aged only 57. The cause of death is still unknown.
DJ Mister Cee (real name Calvin LeBrun) made a significant impact on the New York hip-hop scene and is responsible for a lot of the MCs and projects fans all know and love.
Not only did Mister Cee discover Biggie Smalls through The Source magazine’s unsigned hype column, but he also helped him record his first demo, Microphone Murderer. Furthermore, he assisted Diddy as the executive producer of the 1994 classic Ready To Die.
As one of HOT 97.0’s most prominent DJs in the 1990s, the station released a statement upon receiving the sad news of his passing, reading, “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.”
It continued, “Mister 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.”
Many East Coast artists have come out to pay their respects to the pioneer, including figures such as 50 Cent, who wrote on Twitter/X, “R.I.P to the legend MR. Cee. God bless him, to all his family and friends, I send my condolences.”
Philadelphia producer and DJ Jazzy Jeff also shared a condolence message, reading, “Rest In Peace DJ Mister Cee,” along with a number of broken heart emojis. He also shared an old photo of the pair hanging out.
LeBrun worked heavily with the Juice Crew and collaborated regularly with Big Daddy Kane. Together, in 1988, they released the impactful New York body of work, Long Live the Kane, which inspired the likes of Jay-Z and Busta Rhymes, who arose out of Brooklyn later.
Prior to becoming Mister Cee, many on the New York underground knew him as The Finisher, and very early, he even adopted the moniker The Wallop King.