Mister Cee, the influential DJ, record producer, and radio personality, has sadly passed away at the age of 57. Born Calvin LeBrun in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of renowned artists such as Big Daddy Kane and the Notorious B.I.G.
His journey in the world of hip-hop began at a young age when he learned the art of DJing from a group called DJ Knight and the Knights of Hollywood. His encounter with Big Daddy Kane during high school led to him becoming the rapper's DJ on tour in the late 1980s. Mister Cee even featured on Kane's debut album with the track 'Mister Cee's Master Plan' in 1988.
His association with the Notorious B.I.G. came through the rapper's DJ 50 Grand, and Mister Cee played a crucial role in recording Biggie's demo tape, ultimately helping him secure a deal with Bad Boy Records. He also worked alongside Sean 'Diddy' Combs as an associate executive producer on Biggie's iconic debut album 'Ready to Die' in 1994.
Mister Cee was a prominent figure on Hot 97 and in mixtape culture, known for his extended 120-minute releases that defied the norm of 60-to-90-minute tapes. In 2013, he made headlines for an incident involving solicitation of sex from an undercover officer, which he later used as a platform to advocate for inclusivity and acceptance.
Recently, he had been showcasing his DJ skills on 94.7 The Block in New York City and had upcoming live performances scheduled. The news of his passing has led to an outpouring of tributes on social media, with many acknowledging his significant contributions to the music industry.
Hot 97's Peter Rosenberg expressed his shock and sorrow, highlighting Mister Cee's impact as one of the most important DJs of all time. Rapper MC Lyte also shared her grief, emphasizing Mister Cee's legacy and offering prayers for his soul.
