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BeatKing, a well-known rapper and producer, has passed away at 39.
His manager Tasha Felder announced his death in a statement she posted to Instagram on Thursday, August 15. Felder didn't reveal his cause of death. Instead, she focused on the everlasting legacy he left behind and praised his two young daughters.
"Today, August 15, we have lost @Cludgodzilla," Felder wrote. "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 @clubgodparenting , his music and his fans. We will love him forever."
BeatKing, born Justin Riley, was born and raised in Houston, Texas. After growing up playing music with his mother in church, he launched his music career in 2010 with his debut mixtape Kings of the Club. He continued to drop projects like Club God and his 2014 joint album with the late Gangsta Boo. BeatKing went on to work with various Texas artists like Bun B, Paul Wall, Lil Keke, Chamillionaire, DJ Chose, Dorrough Music, and more. He's also collaborated with other legends like 2 Chainz, Daz Dillinger, and Juicy J. The Three 6 Mafia rapper paid tribute to BeatKing following his death.
"Rip BEATKING damn this one hurt," Juicy J wrote.
BeatKing had been on a winning streak with his music over the past year. He dropped projects like She Won't Leave Houston in 2023 with singles like "20 Ratchets" with K Carbon. In 2024 alone, he dropped two albums: Get Money, B**** and Never Leave Houston On A Sunday.
Rest in peace, BeatKing.