Mister Cee, Hip-Hop DJ And Producer Behind Notorious B.I.G.’s Debut Album, Dead At 57

The legendary New Yorker was a HOT 97 regular for more than 20 years.

Mister Cee, the legendary DJ and producer behind the Notorious B.I.G.’s debut, has died. He was 57.

The New Yorker famously helped genre icons like Big Daddy Kane and 50 Cent gain traction and was an integral figure during the boom rap era of 1990s hip-hop. His death was confirmed by radio station HOT 97, who cited his family.

“As a family … we’re deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Mister Cee,” the radio station wrote Wednesday. “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.”

The statement 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 through his music.”

His death was further confirmed in a statement by Skip Dillard, the brand manager at WXBK 94.7 The Block NYC, where Mister Cee regularly hosted “The Set It Off Show.” Dillard wrote that Mister Cee made the most of life and “leaves a legacy none of us ... will EVER forget.”