D-Coy a.k.a Wakin Burdado (real name Nikusheen On) has been laid to rest today, as the Pinoy hip hop community continue to mourn the loss of one of its OGs. D-Coy died unexpectedly last Friday, October 15.
The artist’s family, via D-Coy’s Facebook page, shared a livestream of his wake yesterday (October 19), and today’s burial services. They wrote, “He is very appreciative of his fans. Mahal na mahal po nya kayo! Lahat tropa para sa kanya!” (He is very appreciative of his fans. He loves you all very much! For him, everyone’s a friend!)
Fellow artists and fans flocked to social media to offer their condolences to a hip hop icon whose career spans more than two decades, starting with his professional debut in 1997 as part of the Madd Poets crew from independent hip hop record label Dongalo Wreckords.
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“May lugar ako” (I have a place), he said then, reflecting on his hip hop career. “I am capable of doing songs, and I can inspire people. I can give inspiration to the kids that they can do this kind of music,” he wrote on his artist bio.
Ryan Armamento (a.k.a Juss Rye) of rap group Sun Valley Crew and head of Music Colony Records, released “On&On&On,” a tribute to his friend. Fighting back tears, Juss Rye raps, “I’ve been blessed to spend time with you / Break bread, share visions, plant seeds, stay true.” He went on, “This is more than just your music / The beauty is your life.”
FlipTop’s official account also shared their condolences last week, posting the album cover of D-Coy’s 2001 solo album, Plastic Age. The rapper performed at the battle rap league’s 10th anniversary last year.
Def Jam Philippines wrote, “Salamat, Dcoy! Sa kultura at sa buhay mong nag-iwan ng marka. Rest in Power, kapatid!” (Thank you, Dcoy! For the culture and your life that left a mark. Rest in power, brother!). D-Coy was part of Def Jam Philippines’ two Rekognize EPs, contributing verses in “Beautiful Day” with Mike Swift, Alisson Shore, kiyo, and Mark Beats in February, and most recently, in last month’s “Puso At Diskarte,” with A$TRO of Owfuck, ZARGON, HONCHO of Ex-Battalion, MIKE KOSA of 187 Mobstaz, FlipTop alum and battle rapper PRICETAGG, and LAYZIE FU of 4 East Flava.
D-Coy has also championed Pinoy hip hop overseas. In an old episode of Malaysia’s 16 Baris rap cypher show, D-Coy spit a verse in Joe Flizzow’s barbershop, much to the rejoice of his Southeast Asian contemporaries.
Stream his 2001 album, Plastic Age:
HipHopDX Asia extends their condolences to D-Coy’s family, friends, loved ones, and fans. We are witness to D-Coy’s unyielding passion for his craft and relentless support for his community. Rest in power, D-Coy.
