BeatKing, Hero of Houston Membership Music, Dies at 39

Houston rapper and producer BeatKing, who rose to prominence within the 2010s together with his fusion of hip-hop and uncooked membership rhythms, has died. His longtime supervisor, Tasha Felder, introduced the information in an announcement posted to her Instagram. “BeatKing has been one of the best a part of the membership for over a decade,” she wrote. “He has produced and labored with many artists, that his sound will ceaselessly dwell. He cherished his daughters @clubgodparenting, his music and his followers. We are going to love him ceaselessly.” A explanation for loss of life has not but been revealed. BeatKing was 39 years previous.

Born Justin Riley in 1984, BeatKing took up drums as a baby, accompanying his mom whereas she performed piano at their native church. The MC and producer first burst out of the Houston underground scene in 2010 together with his debut album, Kings of the Membership, which stays considered one of his best-selling data. The 23-track LP featured “Crush” and “Hammer,” each of which crept into Billboard’s hip-hop chart.

BeatKing launched a trove of music over the previous 14 years, changing into an influential and adored determine throughout the Southern membership scene. As a producer and rapper, he labored with fellow Southerners like 2 Chainz, T-Ache, Bun B, Slim Thug, and Gangsta Boo. In 2020, his Queendome Come collaboration “Then Depart” went viral on TikTok, proving his lasting attraction and huge attain.

Along with his prolific music profession, BeatKing (who additionally recorded as Membership Godzilla) grew to become simply identifiable for his arsenal of self-written slogan T-shirts. He may very well be seen sporting such gems as “I Unfollow Again,” “Gum Is Not Toothpaste,” and “Women With That Lil Lite Mustache :).”

Simply final month, BeatKing issued the ultimate album of his lifetime, By no means Depart Houston on a Sunday.