Atlanta-based DJ and producer Christian Nilan — better known as Speakerfoxxx — has passed away at 35. Her manager Xen Lang confirmed the news to HipHopDX on Sunday (December 23).
“I can say that she has indeed passed,” Lang said in a statement to DX. “No one was more passionate about their craft, culture and city. It was a pleasure to know her, learn from her and work with her.”
While the cause of death has yet to be released, several Reddit users have suggested her battle with substance abuse is to blame. On August 30, Nilan tweeted that she was in rehab.
AD LOADING...
“hi from rehab,” she wrote. “new music currently being written so stayed tuned.”
hi from rehab ❤ ❤ new music currently being written so stay tuned
— mamita (@SPEAKERFOXXX) August 30, 2018
Over the years, Speakerfoxxx served as a touring DJ for artists such as Yelawolf, Rittz and Three 6 Mafia’s Gangsta Boo. In 2011, she released her inaugural mixtape Dopeboy Anthems, which garnered her significant notoriety. She would eventually earn the title “Queen of ATL.”
Many of her fans and peers in the Atlanta DJ community and beyond took to social media to express their condolences, including DJ Z-Trip, DJ Green Lantern, Just Blaze and Ferrari Shepard.
AD LOADING...
Check out the reactions below.
Wait, what?! Man, say this isn’t so. Such a wonderful person, such good energy. Heart broken. RIP ??
— DJ Z-TRIP (@ztrip) December 24, 2018
Damn. RIP Speakerfoxxx. ? we tore a few places down together. Salute.
— Crime Rhyme Houdini (@JustBlaze) December 23, 2018
RIP @SPEAKERFOXXX. I did my best at a tribute. You know I'm more chill. Have a safe journey.
— ? FERRARI SHEPPARD (@stopbeingfamous) December 24, 2018
RIP @SPEAKERFOXXX 2018 is hell, stay strong atlanta family
— Zachary Fox (@zackfox) December 23, 2018
RIP TO THE QUEEN OF ATL @SPEAKERFOXXX ? https://t.co/P9CTjmqBxz
— HOODBOI (@hoodboi) December 23, 2018
RIP #SpeakerFoxx .. ?????????.. Nilan was such a GENUINE spirit !! .. . Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (from God we come and to him we shall return ) .. https://t.co/xiSlNOYOLv
— DJ Green Lantern (@DJGREENLANTERN) December 23, 2018
beautiful seeing how many people speakerfoxx touched. her spirit is here forever. ❤️
— DJ Burn One (@djburnone) December 24, 2018
Yo I just heard the tragic news about speakerfoxx. Damn, my heart goes out to her family and loved ones.
— ASH RISER (@ASHRISER) December 24, 2018
I’m calling ur phone hoping you’ll answer and it’s not true! I can’t believe I’m even saying this sis! RIP @SPEAKERFOXXX! ????? https://t.co/k8fK9luDpM
— DJ Era (@DJ_Era) December 23, 2018
RIP @SPEAKERFOXXX I can’t believe I’m writing this ? SMHHH https://t.co/DRnf53hEvS
— DJ Diamond Kuts (@djdiamondkuts) December 23, 2018
Rest well Queen ? #Speakerfoxxpic.twitter.com/qwcXDC6dLL
— i.Mogul (@IngaNandiwillis) December 25, 2018
RIP Speakerfoxx turn the music up , up there!! You will be missed by many ??
— Jason Geter (@JasonGeter) December 23, 2018
Speakerfoxx … man … damn.
— JEAN CLAUDE (@CardoGotWings) December 23, 2018
holy shit. i am so incredibly sad to hear about speakerfoxx. she did so much for me when i first started making music. one of my first shows was in atlanta, she came and DJed for me for free just to show me HOW to play a show. truly just a talented angel
— QUEEN OF CHRISTMAS (@kittaveli) December 23, 2018
Nilan was such a positive, beautiful spirit. I’m heartbroken. Hope she knew she was loved.
— Suga Knight (@keiopensdoors) December 23, 2018
Damn Rest In Peace DJ Speakerfoxx. Damn
— Emilio Rojas (@emiliorojas) December 23, 2018
Rest Easy Speakerfoxx ?? pic.twitter.com/AZYz9Q15Bk
— DJ Hella Yella (@djhellayella) December 23, 2018
