With the recent deaths of Nate Dogg, Heavy D and Montreal promoter Matthew “Dutch” Garner, Hip Hop has been dealt a number of major blows over the past year. Now, Pittsburgh’s burgeoning Hip Hop scene endured a recent tragedy with the passing of renowned Hip Hop figure Dwayne Muhammad this past weekend.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Muhammad, the founder of the Pittsburgh Hip Hop Awards, passed away this past Saturday of a heart attack at the age of 40. He also worked as a local concert promoter and even founded his own promotion company 360 Entertainment.

Muhammad first began the Pittsburgh Hip Hop Awards in 2007 after watching the success of the BET Hip Hop Awards. Pittsburgh-based emcee Jasiri X spoke on the loss of Muhammad and his impact on the local Hip Hop scene in Steel City.

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“To me, he was instrumental in getting Pittsburgh recognized national and internationally,” said Jasiri X. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that after the awards started, you saw Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller and on that level. I’m grateful to him for doing that.”

DX sends its condolences to Muhammad and his family.

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