We Will Love Him Forever: Houston Rapper BeatKing Dies at 39 from Pulmonary Embolism
The well-known Houston rapper and producer BeatKing, also known by his stage moniker Club Godzilla, has away. 39 was his age.
Tasha Felder, the management of the Texas artist, revealed his passing on Thursday in a social media statement. “We have lost BeatKing as of today, August 15, 2024,” Felder stated. “For more than ten years, BeatKing has been the best aspect of the club. His music will endure forever because of the numerous artists he has collaborated and produced.”
“He loved his daughters, his music, and his fans,” she continued. We shall always adore him.”Felder verified in a statement to PEOPLE that the rapper passed away on Thursday at a Houston hospital from a pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage caused by a blood clot in the lung.
“He was at an Urban One (Radio One) station doing a morning takeover when he suddenly fainted,” the statement continues. “He was brought to a nearby hospital, where he subsequently died. He was accompanied the whole time by his daughters. We really did adore him, so it is very sad.”
Born Justin Riley on November 24, 1984, BeatKing was a mainstay of the Houston and Southern rap scenes, renowned for his club beats that turned into party playlists. The beatmaker became well-known in the summer of 2010 with his album Kings of the Club, which is among his best-selling vinyl records ever, according to his bio.
Throughout his career, he put out a number of other projects, including Club God (2011), Club God 2 (2012), and five mixtapes that he issued in less than 18 months. “Throw Dat,” “THICK” with DJ Chose, and “Then Leave” with Queendome Come are among his greatest hits. On July 26, he released his last album, Never Leave Houston on a Sunday.
BeatKing collaborated with well-known Southern artists including as 2 Chainz, Ludacris, Lil Jon, Juicy J, and others, therefore his influence extended beyond his neighborhood. On Thursday, the world of hip-hop grieved his passing and sent condolences from all around.
“The excellent ones always win out. In an Instagram post, fellow Houston rapper Bun B commented, “Damn this s— hurt.”
“Just a really fun, energetic individual. We lost a parent and gifted artist. For @talameshia and his family, may we pray. Farewell, @clubgodzilla.”
Three 6 Mafia commented on Felder’s Instagram post, saying, “RIP MANE!!!” GREAT BROTHER!!”
