Rapper BeatKing Dies at 39 from Pulmonary Embolism During Radio Show

Houston-based rapper and producer BeatKing, also known as Club Godzilla, passed away suddenly at the age of 39, leaving the hip-hop community in sorrow. He succumbed to a pulmonary embolism on Thursday, a condition where a blood clot blocks blood flow to the lungs.

A pulmonary embolism can arise from various factors, including prolonged inactivity, certain medical conditions, smoking, and obesity, as explained by the Mayo Clinic. A clot usually forms in a deep vein, typically in the leg, travels to the lungs, and can severely obstruct oxygen flow, causing tissue death and breathing difficulties.

BeatKing’s manager, Tasha Felder, confirmed his passing to USA TODAY on Friday. She provided details about the unfortunate event, stating, “He was at an Urban One (Radio One) station for a morning takeover when he suddenly fainted. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he later passed away. His daughters were with him the entire time. It is truly sad, we loved him so much.”

Felder paid tribute to BeatKing on her Instagram account, expressing her deep sorrow. “BeatKing has been the best part of the club for over a decade,” she wrote. “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.” She also highlighted his impact on the music scene, reiterating, “It is truly sad, we loved him so much.”

BeatKing’s musical journey took off with the release of “Crush” in the summer of 2010. The track was later included in his 2011 album Kings of the Club, marking the start of his rise in the Texas party scene. His high-energy tracks quickly became popular in colleges and nightclubs throughout the 2010s.

In 2020, BeatKing’s career surged with the viral TikTok hit “Then Leave,” featuring Queendom Come. This track brought him international recognition, significantly expanding his fanbase. In the same year, he contributed to DJ Chose’s platinum-selling record “Thick,” which later featured a remix with fellow Houston native Megan Thee Stallion.

BeatKing’s career was marked by notable collaborations with hip-hop icons. His track “SDAB” featured verses from 2 Chainz and Juicy J, while “Keep It Poppin” had him teaming up with Ludacris and Queendom Come. More recently, he was seen with Drake, sparking speculation about a potential collaboration.

As news of BeatKing’s passing spread, the hip-hop community expressed their grief and paid tributes. Memphis rap duo Three 6 Mafia commented on Felder’s post, saying “RIP MANE!!! GREAT BROTHER!!” Houston native Slim Thug shared the news on Instagram, lamenting a “sad day in the city.”

Fellow Houston legend Bun B posted a photo of BeatKing on Instagram, offering prayers for his loved ones and expressing grief. “It’s always the good ones… Just a great-spirited person,” he wrote. “We lost a talented artist and father.” Atlanta rapper Lil Scrappy shared his disbelief in an Instagram Story, writing, “Rip to my Brudda… @clubgodzilla I’m lost on this one.”

Source: USA TODAY, Mayo Clinic, Instagram