Remembering Mister Cee: Iconic New York City DJ Passes Away at 57
Mister Cee, a revered icon in the hip-hop scene, known for his DJ work with Big Daddy Kane and his role in The Notorious B.I.G.'s rise, has sadly passed away at the age of 57. His legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and the music industry, as confirmed by his former workplace, Hot 97 radio station in New York.
Mister Cee, a well-loved and influential figure in hip-hop, has passed away at the age of 57. He was known for being the DJ for rapper Big Daddy Kane and for playing a role in discovering The Notorious B.I.G., according to his former employer, New York's Hot 97 hip-hop radio station.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear Mister Cee,” stated Hot 97 on their website. He was not just a DJ, but a vital part of our stations. His legendary Throwback at Noon and Friday Night Live sets brought joy to many listeners.
Mister Cee’s impact extended far beyond the radio waves, shaping the DJ culture of New York City. Our hearts are filled with sorrow as we extend our love and sympathy to his family and the fans who were touched by his music. Rest in peace, Mister Cee. Your legacy will never be forgotten.
No information about the cause of death was provided.
Originally named Calvin LeBrun, he grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. It was in this neighborhood where he formed important connections that greatly influenced his life and career.
He started out as the official DJ for his high school buddy, the famous rapper Big Daddy Kane, assisting in the production of his debut album "Long Live The Kane" in 1988, as he gained recognition in the New York City hip-hop scene.
LeBrun’s close childhood friend Kevin “DJ 50 Grand” Griffin played a crucial role in helping rapper Christopher Wallace create his demo, propelling him to stardom as The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls.
The first time I met Big was when his DJ 50 Grand, who passed away in 2022, brought him to my house. We were supposed to work on redoing the basement demo that Big and 50 Grand had put together," LeBraun shared with Rock the Bells last year. Big was quite shy, always speaking with his head down, and would say, 'Yo man, don't make promises you can't keep. If you say you'll do something, do it.' I reassured him that we would redo the demo as planned.
Not only did LeBraun help Big gain the attention that led to his stardom, but he also worked as an associate producer on the rapper's debut album "Ready To Die" in 1994.
LeBrun had a successful career as a DJ and radio host for Hot 97. He became so popular that Jay-Z even mentioned him and Funkmaster Flex in his 2009 song "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)" by saying, "I made this just for Flex and Mister Cee."
Editor's P/S:
The passing of Mister Cee, a legendary figure in hip-hop, leaves an immense void in the music world. His influence as the DJ for Big Daddy Kane and his pivotal role in the discovery of The Notorious B.I.G. cemented his status as a true trailblazer. His infectious energy and passion for music inspired countless DJs and captivated listeners. His legacy will continue to resonate through the generations of artists he mentored and the indelible mark he left on the culture.
The circumstances surrounding Mister Cee's passing are still unknown, but the outpouring of grief and tributes from the hip-hop community speaks volumes about the impact he had on the scene. His dedication to the craft and his ability to cultivate talent will forever be etched in the annals of hip-hop history. As we mourn the loss of this icon, we celebrate his life and the immeasurable contributions he made to the genre.
