Rapper BeatKing has died aged 39

Tragic news

The rapper, whose real name was Justin Riley, was best known for his song ‘Then Leave’ which went viral on TikTok in 2020.

THEN LEAVE (Official Video) - Beatking feat. Queendome Come (Directed by og_visions) (youtube.com)

Tesha Felder, BeatKing’s manager announced the news on social media.

A statement read: “Today, August 15, 2024, we have lost @Clubgodzilla. BeatKing has been the best part of the club for over a decade.

"He has produced and worked with so many artists, that his sound will forever live. He loved his daughters, his music and his fans. We will love him forever.”

TMZ reports that the rapper died in a Houston hospital on Thursday after suffering a pulmonary embolism.

Riley was doing a morning takeover at the Urban One/Radio One station when he fainted and was rushed to hospital.

He passed away later that day with his two daughters by his side.

Prior to becoming an internet sensation, BeatKing was well known in the Texas party scene where his music was often played at colleges and clubs throughout the 2010’s.

His other hits include ‘SDAB’ which featured 2 Chainz and Juicy J. He had also collaborated with Ludacris and Queendom Come and was recently pictured with Drake although it is unclear if the pair were working on something together.

Fans flocked to social media to pay tribute to the musician with one writing: “My heart just dropped. Justin you will be missed. Love ya bro.”

Another commented: “Wow, gone too soon and damn talented. Praying for his family.”

A third said: “Rest in paradise to a real Texas legend.”