Chucky Thompson – Hip-Hop Legend Dead At 53

Carl “Chucky” Thompson, a music producer who has written hits for artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige, has died at age 53.

Thompson publicist Tamar Yehuda confirmed the news Monday in a statement to USA Today. She did not disclose the cause of his death.

In the statement, she wrote:

“It is with a very heavy heart that I can confirm the passing of Chucky Thompson. To anyone in his orbit, you know how generous he was with his energy, creativity, and love. Both the music industry and the world have lost a titan.”

Sound engineer Gimel Androus Keaton, better known by his stage name Young Guru, also posted about the death of Thompson on Instagram.

Keaton wrote, along with a photo of him with Thompson:

There is nothing I can write that will take away this pain. I have to say RIP to my mentor, my big brother, the man who changed my life forever. You treated me like family from day one. You put me in rooms with Biggie. I will forever be in your debt and I will forever be your little brother. This one hurts so bad I can’t even explain it. RIP @chucklife365 there will never be another you!!!!

Thompson began with go-go music in Chuck Brown’s band The Soul Searchers. As a producer, he was involved in the release of hits such as “Big Pop” by Notorious B.I.G. implied. and “Soon As I Get Home” by Faith Evans and the 1994 album “My Life” by Blige.

Thompson’s historic career also included collaborations with Jennifer Lopez, Usher, Snoop Dogg, and TLC, making him one of the founders of the in-house production team for Sean “Diddy” Combs, known as The Hitmen.

Before his death, Thompson worked with Shania Twain and made a documentary about his life.