DJ Polo, Kool G Rap’s Former DJ, Dead
DJ Polo, known for his work with Kool G Rap, has reportedly died.
Hot 97 reported that the legendary act passed away on Saturday morning (July 27). No cause of death for the musician has been revealed at this time. Hip-Hop greats moved swiftly, sharing condolences and love to Polo’s family and friends.
Eric B., Rakim’s longtime friend and DJ, posted a picture of the artist and a loving caption, typing, “My brother DJ POLO we had some great times you will never be forgotten GODS speed.” Kid Capri reminisced on the good times they shared in the music industry, detailing the first tour he’d ever been on. “Can’t believe my guy is gone!! We went on my first tour together,” he typed. “One of the coolest dudes ever, Rest well hero! #djpolo.”
MC Debbie D shared some Hip-Hop history in her tribute to the iconic Hip-Hop act, typing, “As the first female MC to go solo, I was early enough in the culture to know one thing that I’ve often said, ‘every solo MC had their own DJ’! Within the Juice Crew, rapper Kool G Rap had DJ Polo, and in the 80s, the two rocked the stage flawlessly! RIP to my Juice Crew brother and a great guy, DJ Polo. Sending love, prayers and condolences to his family. ?????? #JuiceCrewForLife #DJPolo.”
And, of course, Kool G Rap arrived with some words for his former bandmate. The Juice Crew emcee shared a picture of the duo in front of a classic New York City backdrop along with a caption. “R.I.P. to a dear friend and a Brother from another Household. He is a Legend to Hip Hop and Juice Crew history. DJ Polo! May Light from the Highest be upon him,” the “Streets of New York” rapper wrote.
Other tributes arrived from Big Daddy Kane, DJ Chuck Chillout, E-40, Buckwild, Pete Rock, and more.
DJ Polo hit the scene alongside Kool G on 1986’s “It’s a Demo.” The song featured Polo’s immense talent as a disc jockey, spinning on the turntables. From there, the two men became an established musical duo as they released four LPs together. These LPs included 1989’s Road to the Riches, Wanted: Dead or Alive in 1990, 1992’s Live and Let Die, and 1996’s Rated XXX.
DJ Polo and Kool G Rap also etched their names in Hip-Hop lore as a part of the iconic Juice Crew, which included icons such as MC Shan, Marley Marl, Craig G, Mr. Magic, Masta Ace, Biz Markie, Roxanne Shanté, Big Daddy Kane, and more.
DJ Polo would end up going solo and released his debut solo LP, Polo’s Playhouse, in 1998.
VIBE sends our deepest condolences to DJ Polo’s family and all those impacted by this loss.
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