The music world is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures. Mark Howard James, better known as The 45 King, has passed away at the age of 62. The news of his death was first shared by DJ Premier on Instagram and later confirmed by The 45 King's spokesperson to various media outlets. The cause of death remains undisclosed, but DJ Premier's post suggests that James had been hospitalized for some time prior to his passing.
Born in the Bronx, The 45 King was a pivotal figure in the hip-hop scene, especially during the 1980s and 1990s. He was a part of the Flavor Unit, a collective that boasted talents like Queen Latifah, Chill Rob G, Lakim Shabazz, and Apache. The 45 King's rise to prominence can be traced back to his association with the Flavor Unit and his knack for producing hits that resonated with the masses.
His breakthrough came in 1996 when DJ Kool used his track "900 Number" to create the hit "Let Me Clear My Throat." But this was just the beginning. The 45 King's genius lay in his ability to sample established tracks and breathe new life into them. This talent was evident in the iconic instrumentals he created for Eminem's "Stan" and Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life." His collaborations during the late 1990s included working with legends like Rakim, Craig Mack, Peanut Butter Wolf, and Common.
To the ICON DJ MARK 45 KING
R.I.P. @TheReal45King We Salute your greatness! pic.twitter.com/cRH7THzxmb — DJ Premier (@REALDJPREMIER) October 19, 2023
DJ Premier, in his tribute post, described The 45 King's sound as unparalleled. He wrote, "His sound was unlike any other... his heavy drums and his horns were so distinct on every production." Premier also highlighted The 45 King's contribution to the DJ community, emphasizing his extensive vinyl releases of breakbeats that surpassed any DJ from the 80s and 90s era.
The 45 King's influence wasn't just limited to the hip-hop community. His reach extended to various artists across genres, making him a revered figure in the music industry. His sudden passing has left a void that will be hard to fill.
As tributes continue to pour in, it's evident that The 45 King's legacy will live on. From his early days in the Bronx to producing chart-topping hits, he has left an indelible mark on the world of music. His contributions to hip-hop and the broader music community will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
