The Hip Hop community is in mourning after learning DJ Spinbad has passed away. According to NME, the legendary New York City turntablist and radio DJ died on Tuesday (November 10), although a cause of death has yet to be revealed.
Canadian comedian Russell Peters, who enlisted Spinbad as his tour DJ for many years, confirmed his passing with an Instagram post.
“This is a post I had hoped I’d never have to make but it’s with a broken heart that I have to say, bye to my brother, my friend, my DJ, one of the most creative and brilliant minds I’ve ever known,” he wrote alongside several photos of Spinbad. “I can’t believe you’re not here anymore.
“Trying to find the right pictures of us has me all fucked up and crying, because we have waaaay too many memories together… I love you my brother and I don’t know how to keep it together…#RIPDjSpinbad #MyBrother.”
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Spinbad released numerous projects over the years, including 2001’s Underground Airplay Vol. 1.0 and 2004’s FabricLive 14. He also pumped out an impressive string of mixtapes beginning with 1995’s Rock The Cashbah (The ’80s Megamix) and culminating with 2013’s Live From India. Aside from Peters, Spinbad has also toured with electronic artist Moby and produced one of the albums in the FabricLive series.
Peters’ sentiments are being echoed across social media by numerous Hip Hop legends. Everyone from El-P of Run The Jewels and The Alchemist to A-Trak and R.A The Rugged Man are sending their condolences on Twitter.
Fellow DJ Skratch Bastid tweeted, “RIP DJ Spinbad. This one hurts man. Great dude. Big contributor to the culture. Family man. Fun person. Show love to someone you appreciate today.” Meanwhile, DJ Clark Kent took his sorrow to Instagram and wrote, “Rest In Power To The Great DJ Spinbad. My Condolence To His Family & Friends.”
Spinbad is reportedly survived by his wife and two children. He was 46 years old. Check out some of the reactions to his passing below.
