Tributes paid to legendary New York DJ Mister Cee, who has died

11 April, 2024

Mister Cee, a legendary DJ from New York City, has died at the age of 57.

Cee – real name Calvin LeBrun – was a longtime DJ for New York radio station Hot 97. His death was announced by Hot 97, who wrote on their website: “As a family at HOY 97 and WBLS, we’re deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Mister Cee. He wasn’t just a DJ; he was a pillar of our stations, bringing joy to countless listeners with his legendary Throwback at Noon and Friday Night Live sets.”

HOT 97 continued: “Mr. Cee’s influence stretched far beyond the airwaves, shaping the very fabric of NYC’s DJ culture. Our hearts are heavy as we send our love and condolences to his family and the fans whose lives he touched his music. Rest easy, Mr. Cee, Your legacy will live forever.”

As the time of publishing, a cause of death has yet to be revealed.

LeBrun first rose to fame, appearing on Big Daddy Kane‘s 1988 debut album ‘Long Live The Kane’, and was the subject of the album’s penultimate track, ‘Mister Cee’s Master Plan’. Cee would go on to become Big Daddy Kane’s official DJ for live shows.

Mister Cee is also credited with being an early supporter of The Notorious B.I.G., and is credited for being one of the first people and personalities to gave him a platform. Mister Cee helped to record Biggie’s first demo tape, and executive produced Biggie’s debut album, ‘Ready To Die’.

Beyond his work as a producer, Mister Cee spent decades as a DJ on New York’s popular hip-hop radio station Hot 97. The New York Times’ Jon Caramanica called Cee “the station’s institutional memory and its living link to history, its one reliable purveyor of hip-hop classics” in a profile in 2013.

Following the news of his death, several musicians and prominent figures in the music industry have paid tribute to the late DJ and producer. You can find some of these tributes below.

50 Cent wrote on X: “R.I.P to the legend MR. Cee, God bless him, to all his family and friends I send my condolences.”

Talib Kweli wrote on Facebook: “Rest in Peace Mister Cee. Thank you for EVERYTHING. Brooklyn will never forget you. Condolences to the family of Mister Cee and Big Daddy Kane.”

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