Veteran Hip Hop artist/dancer Steve “Stezo” Williams has reportedly died. Legendary New York City promoter Van Silk tells HipHopDX Stezo’s fiancée confirmed the news on Thursday (April 30) morning and noted the Connecticut native was suffering from heart issues. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 51.
Stezo made his debut as a dancer for EPMD, appearing in the video for “You Gots To Chill” from the 1988 classic Strictly Business.
But in 1989, he stepped out on his own in pursuit of a solo career and signed a deal with Sleeping Bag Records. His released his first 12-inch single “To the Max” and followed with his debut solo album Crazy Noise, which peaked at No. 37 on the Billboard R&B albums chart and included the single “It’s My Turn.”
He’s also credited as the first Hip Hop artist to sample “It’s A New Day” breakbeat from ’70s band Skull Snaps.
Following Crazy Noise, Stezo retreated from the spotlight for roughly five years. But in 1994, he returned with the “Bop Ya Headz”/”Shining Star” single and followed up with his sophomore album Where’s the Funk At in 1997, although he failed to garner the success he found in the ’80s.
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On April 22, Stezo shared an Instagram post promoting his barbershop business S & S Cuts in Charlotte, North Carolina. That would prove to be his final post.
A roster of Hip Hop artists are expressing their condolences on social media. Erick Sermon reacted on DJ Chuck Chillout’s Instagram page, writing, “NO WAY. Too much death around,” while Masta Ace replied with shock, “Whaaaaaat?! RIP..smh.”
Pete Rock, DJ Rhettmatic, Public Enemy’s DJ Lord, New York City radio legend Stretch Armstrong, Questlove, Planet Asia and DJ Premier are among the other artists paying their respects. Check out the reactions below.
