Following the passing of DJ Mark the 45 King, Jay-Z and Eminem paid homage to the hip-hop producer.
According to his manager, Paul Martinez, on Thursday (10.19,) the legendary musician died at the age of 62.
Born Mark Howard James, the producer had worked on a series of popular songs including Jay-Z’s ‘Hard Knock Life’ and Eminem’s ‘Stan.’
Taking to social media. Jay-Z took shared a touching tribute to Mark, writing:
“Thank you Mark. Your instrumentals, namely The 900 Number, were more memorable than our whole albums. You gave me a canvas to have a conversation with the world!!” the 99 Problems artist wrote. “You changed my life. Even when the life is short, the art is long!!”
Eminem celebrated the producer via X/Twitter with “Legends are never over. #RIP Mark Howard James aka the 45 King … I’m 4ever grateful!!!”
In a tributary statement to Variety, Queen Latifah, who worked with the producer on her early hits ‘Ladies First’ and ‘Wrath of My Madness,’ stated “He believed in me before anyone else. He touched every life he encountered. I’ve never met someone like him; he wanted everyone around him to win. His spirit was magic and will certainly live forever.”
Released in 1987, James’ most groundbreaking track, ‘The 900 Number,’ launching him into the spotlight. And, in addition to Jay-Z, Eminem and Latifah, DJ Mark also worked with Madonna, Salt-N-Pepa and Flavor Unit.
At press time the details surrounding the producer’s death have yet to be released.
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Nicholasbroussard