T.I. has been joined in mourning by fellow artists and music executives like Fat Joe and Diddy as the Hip Hop community reels over the loss of former Grand Hustle Vice President Clay Evans.
Evans — one of the founding staff members of T.I.’s imprint who also served as Lil Duval’s manager for close to a decade — passed away on Friday (March 24), about two weeks after suffering a massive stroke from which he never fully recovered.
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“It is with a heavy heart that the Evans family announces the untimely passing of my Father, Claybourne Evans Jr.,” his son shared via Evans’ Instagram page on Friday afternoon. “He fought a good fight and transitioned peacefully surrounded by close family and friends on today, March 24, 2023. He lived an extraordinary life filled with Love, Hard Work, and Laughter. He touched many lives…Continue His Legacy.”
A number of artists whose careers have been touched by Clay Evans shared their sorrow over his passing in the comments of the family’s announcement, including Diddy, 2 Chainz, Pusha T, Big Boi, Pharrell, Bun B, Jermaine Dupri, Waka Flocka Flame, Don Toliver and more.
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“So sorry to hear this news [broken heart emoji],” Diddy commented. “THIS BREAKS MY HEART. 1 of the REALEST. IMMA MISS THE LOVE YOU ALWAYS SHOWED ME FROM DAY 1 ! We will miss you. Love [heart emoji][prayer hands emoji].”
“Dam brother Rest In Peace,” Tity Boi wrote, while Bun B echoed: “This was a great man. He will be missed. RIP Clay.”
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“My Mf Brudda we prayed Hard!” commented Jazze Pha. “God wanted you to be w/ Him & I Know you Smiling … Sheeesh man gotta make these plays… LoVe you bro!!”
Both T.I. and Lil Duval, who were represented by Clay Evans’ brand management firm Rubicon and worked with him for the bulk of their careers, have shared multiple tributes to the fallen exec.
Included in their posts are candid videos capturing the essence of who Evans was by all accounts: a “big brother” or “uncle” figure to many, who was respected for his seriousness and business savvy, but also renowned for his jovial nature and bright spirit.
“Never be another Us [crying emoji] & I’m aight wit that [salute emoji],” Tip captioned one of his posts. “I just thought we’d have more TIME. HGOE x GH4L. We Miss You Old Man. Been Through too much To mention… Kept it [100 emoji] Tha whole way through!! Eternal Love 4LIFE OG.”
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Among his numerous tributes to his friend and manager, Lil Duval recounted the ways in which Clay Evans supported him over the past year, as he fought his way back from a tragic accident that left him paralyzed and wheelchair-bound for most of 2022.
“When i got hit by a car i FaceTime clay laying on the ground bleeding and said ‘I’m sorry bro it’s over i can’t perform no more,'” the comedian wrote. “And he said to me ‘oh [ninja emoji] you getting back on that stage even if its in a wheelchair and i gotta push you’ and he did just that.
“As much of a legend and OG he was he still was humble enough to wait on me hand and foot when i was down. He even went to the store and bout me underwear when i was in the hospital. He was over real.”
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Clay Evans’ influence and impact extended far beyond Atlanta, as evidenced by the number of tributes pouring in from those who worked with him over the years, from peers to mentees. Each of the tribute posts shared in his honor has seen multiple people share their personal memories and experiences with Evans in the comments.
Fat Joe’s post echoed many of those sentiments, as he wrote: “This was my man! RIP CLAY we go back 20 plus years. You always put a smile on my face. one of the best dudes in this industry. my condolences to the family of @rubiconatl and to @tip the whole Atlanta love you clay [prayer hands emoji][heart emoji].”
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A celebration of life is set to take place at 1:00 p.m. local time on April 1 at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in the Atlanta suburb of Stonecrest, Georgia.
HipHopDX extends its condolences to the friends and family of Clay Evans, as well as the extended Grand Hustle family.
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Check out additional tributes to Clay Evans below.
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