Jazz keyboardist and vocalist George Duke was sampled on Hip Hop singles such as Diamond D & The Psychotic Neurotics’ “Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop,” Ice Cube’s “True To The Game,” and WC & The Maad Circle’s “West Up.” Yesterday (August 5), Duke died in Los Angeles, California from complications due to chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Between 1966 and 2013, Duke released over 40 albums. He collaborated with Miles Davis and Michael Jackson, among others. A native of San Rafeal, California, Duke also became a musical director.
“The outpouring of love and support that we have received from my father’s friends, fans and the entire music community has been overwhelming,” said his son, Rashid Duke, in a statement published at USA Today. “Thank you all for your concern, prayers and support.”
Two of those from the Hip Hop community to respond to the news publicly include Roots’ bandleader ?uestlove and Soul/R&B star Erykah Badu:
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fairwell my friend you will be missed one of the all time greats may the father bless your soul rip
A giant has passed! And a giant waaaaaaaaaaaay over the head of the majority of this site’s readers. George killed with Cannonball Adderl and Frank Zappa too, not to mention great stuff with Billy Cobham etc etc ++++++
Somebody please ban Badu and Questlove from using twitter.
RIP to a legend.
Dude was a legend. R.I.P. George Duke. Yo check out this one song he did called “For Love(I Come Your Friend)” for starters…he had many joints…y’all just don’t know…
oh no! Reach for it is monster of a track. I really need to check out his other raw stuff though
RIP Mr.Duke
this has nothing to do with hip hop therefore fuck him