New York City Hip Hop pioneer Chuck Freeze passed away on Sunday (April 1). According to the New York Daily News, the 54-year-old founding member of The Jazzy 5 was found “unconscious and unresponsive” at his home in Hollis, Queens.
The New York City Medical Examiner’s office reportedly confirmed the official cause of death was heart disease and high blood pressure.
The Jazzy 5’s song with Afrika Bambaataa, 1981’s “Jazzy Sensation,” was famously sampled by the Beastie Boys for two tracks on 1989’s Paul’s Boutique — “Hey Ladies” and “Shake Your Rump.” It was also sampled by artists like De La Soul, Prince Paul, Steinski and Double Dee.
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Several of Freeze’s close friends spoke to HipHopDX about his impact on Hip Hop culture, including co-founder of the iconic Hip Hop show Video Music Box Ralph McDaniels, who talked to Freeze on a weekly basis.
“I had my last conversation with Chuck Freeze last week about new technology and his understanding of how Hip Hop should embrace all aspects of what’s happening now,” McDaniels told DX. “He taught me a few things I didn’t know that night. Thank you Chuck A Luck for your time. Peaceful journey.”
DJ Kevie Kev Rockwell, another pioneering New York City Hip Hop figure, had known Freeze since they were teenagers.
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“I knew Chuck since I was 15 years old,” Kevie Kev said to DX. “We also went to high school together at John F. Kennedy High School. He was one of my mother’s favorites. The only way I was able to go to see my legendary brothers back then is when Chuck was going, then my mother would allow me to go. I fell in love with DJing and one day Chuck happened to mention it to my mother. So, on my birthday she brought me some equipment from the advice of my friend Chuck. Since then, we both went on to become Hip Hop legends.”
Rahiem from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five admits he was caught off guard by the news.[apple_news_ad type=”any”]
“I was just with Chuck a few weeks ago at Oze Tavern in the Bronx,” he said. “He was in great spirits and didn’t appear ill at all, so I was completely taken aback by the news of his passing. May he rest comfortably in the living embrace of our creator.”
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The Original Clark Kent added, “I had the pleasure of chilling and having great conversation with Chuck Freeze and Kev Rockwell at the event we did in Connecticut. My sincere condolences to Chuck’s family.”
Fellow Bronx Hip Hop vet Kool Kyle said, “Chuck Freeze was a soldier for Bronx Hip Hop. He kept it 100 with his passion for his craft.”
MC Kimba, who dated Freeze for a few years and is the current COO of the Jam Master Jay Foundation, spoke on his talent.
“I knew Freeze since the beginning of Hip Hop,” she said. “He grew up in Soundview and I in Castle Hill. We, along with others, laid the foundation. His flow was melodic and his raspy voice was his trademark. I will always remember him as a big teddy bear. He was smart and loving, I will miss his presence and never forget how he changed my life.”
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Several other Hip Hop artists took to social media to express their condolences, including LL Cool J, Percee P and T.O.N.E-z who Freeze mentored.
