Brooklyn Mourns the Loss of a Hip-Hop Icon
Brooklyn’s vibrant streets are hushed with sadness as the cause of DJ Mister Cee’s passing is revealed. The legendary disc jockey, born Calvin LeBrun, succumbed to the silent but deadly grip of diabetes-related coronary artery/kidney disease. His family, in a poignant statement to AllHipHop, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support pouring in from across the borough and the entire hip-hop community.
A Family’s Gratitude Amidst Grief
“On behalf of the Lebrun, Wilson, and Calixte families we want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support for our brother, uncle, and nephew Calvin ‘DJ Mister Cee’ Lebrun in the wake of his untimely passing,” the family’s statement read. “It’s a huge loss for our entire family, the borough of Brooklyn, and the entire Hip Hop Community.”
Hot 97 Mourns the Loss
Hot 97, the iconic radio station where Mister Cee spun his magic, echoed the sentiment, affirming his pivotal role in shaping the station’s identity. “He wasn’t just a DJ,” the station lamented, “He was a pillar of our stations, bringing joy to countless listeners with his legendary ‘Throwback at Noon’ and ‘Friday Night Live’ sets.”
The loss is deeply felt within the station’s halls, where Mister Cee’s presence was more than just a job; it was a force of nature, a heartbeat that pulsed through every song played, and every word spoken.
Discovering Legends
Mister Cee’s impact on the hip-hop landscape transcends mere playlists. He was the man who unearthed the raw talent of The Notorious B.I.G., forever altering the course of rap history. Recalling their fateful encounter, Mister Cee shared anecdotes of Biggie’s humility and raw talent, painting a vivid picture of their journey from basement demos to platinum records.
“The plan was we were going to redo the basement demo that he and 50 Grand put together,” Cee reminisced in an interview with WBLS 107.5. “Big was very shy. He would always talk with his head down and say, ‘Yo man, don’t be promising me anything, man. If you say you’re going to do something, do it.’ And I’m like, nah, we’re going to redo the demo.”
Cee eventually became the associate executive producer on Biggie’s debut album, Ready to Die, in 1994, solidifying his place in hip-hop history.
A Journey Through Hip-Hop’s Heartbeat
From his early days as DJ for Big Daddy Kane to his tenure at Hot 97, Mister Cee’s journey mirrored the evolution of hip-hop itself. His encyclopedic knowledge of the genre and unparalleled skill behind the turntables made him a revered figure in the community. His legacy lives on in the beats that reverberate through Brooklyn’s streets and the hearts of all who knew his name.
In his role as host of “Throwback at Noon” on HOT 97, Mister Cee didn’t just play music; he curated memories. Each track he selected was a portal to another time, another place, another feeling. His sets were more than just a collection of songs; they were a journey through the annals of hip-hop history, a testament to the power of music to unite and uplift.
Remembering a Pioneer
As the city mourns the loss of one of its own, let us remember DJ Mister Cee not for the tragedy of his passing, but for the symphony of life he orchestrated with every beat, every rhyme, and every soul he touched. His legacy transcends the boundaries of time and space, a testament to the power of music to inspire, to uplift, and to heal.
Rest easy, Mister Cee. Your legacy will echo through the ages, a beacon of light guiding future generations of hip-hop enthusiasts toward the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
The details about the public funeral service will be announced shortly. In the meantime, let us honor Mister Cee’s memory by celebrating the music he loved and the community he cherished. Rest in power, DJ Mister Cee. Brooklyn will never forget you.