Influential New York City DJ Big Kap has passed away. Big Kap was best known for his 1999 album "The Tunnel" with Funkmaster Flex. It was Flex who broke the tragic news of his death on Instagram on Wednesday, writing, "Rest in peace....Big Kap...." Big Kap was 45 years old.
Big Kap's road manager, Ab Traxx, has revealed that the DJ, who was born Keith Carter, died from a heart attack early Wednesday morning, according to Billboard. Ab has been in charge of Big Kap's social media posts and booking and was heavily promoting his upcoming gig on the Atlanta-based Internet radio station Highly Unique Radio and his Burn Unit Crew. Big Kap was also planning on making a documentary, but he had not yet begun filming.
"For the last maybe four, five months, [Kap] has moved to Atlanta and I was basically his road manager," Ab explained. "He just got on this radio station based in Atlanta and he was basically doing the groundwork. Last night, when I talked to him, he was fine. He was on the computer at 1 a.m. and then I got the phone call at 4 in the morning from the artist he stays with, Bank Boy Drop."
As for potential health complications prior to his death, Ab said, "Not that I know of. He had diabetes but I don't think it had anything to do with [his death]."
"The Tunnel" peaked at No. 35 on the Billboard 200 in 1999 and featured big names like Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G., according to Entertainment Weekly. It also featured verses from other iconic rappers like Eminem, Dr. Dre, Jay Z and Snoop Dogg, as it was an album named after the New York hotspot which featured big-name acts from these rappers.
"We didn't want to short ourselves on artists," DJ Big Kap said in an interview at the time. "So we put our heads together and went for what we like and the people we like."
Radio personality Peter Rosenberg posted an emotional message to his Instagram. "Woke up to terrible news today," he wrote. "We lost Big Kap. Not only a great DJ, key part of the flip squad and big dog pit bulls and incredible talker with a unique and awesome voice but more than anything-great guy. Always good for a warm smile and a sincere conversation. Was always very fond of this guy ever since I met him. RIP brother. Sending love and positive vibes to his family."
Rapper Lil Jon also paid tribute, writing, in all caps, "We lost another soldier. I can't even believe my dog is gone. Without u don't kno how my carrer would have gone. U believed in me n the record we did 'bia bia' changed New York for Southern Artists for ever. Gonna miss u OG but u r in a better place. Rest in paradise Big Kap."
Damn man. Much respect to #BigKap. Thanks for all the love shown. #FlipSquad #RIP #TheTunnel. https://t.co/tAdSzlCMni
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) February 3, 2016
@WeAreDeLaSoul It's hard to say goodbye to a very smart person who became influential on the wheels of steel. — The Prime Minister (@PrimeMinister71) February 3, 2016
