DJ 50 Grand, also known as Kevin Griffin, was the original DJ and producer who gave the Notorious B.I.G.’s demo tape to DJ Mister Cee, paving the way for the legendary rapper’s career. He passed away at the age of 55 in June 2022, but his cause of death has not been confirmed or reported. This article will pay tribute to DJ 50 Grand’s legacy and his role in hip-hop history.
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DJ 50 Grand and Biggie Smalls: A Fateful Encounter
DJ 50 Grand was a neighborhood DJ in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, who met Biggie Smalls, then known as Christopher Wallace, through a mutual friend. They started working together in 1991, when Biggie was 15 and 50 Grand was 21. They would hustle on the streets, then go to 50 Grand’s basement to make demo tapes. According to 50 Grand, he was impressed by Biggie’s rap skills and charisma, and he knew he had potential to be a star.
One of the most memorable moments of their collaboration was a rap battle on Bedford and Quincy, where Biggie faced off against several challengers and emerged victorious. 50 Grand was the one who played the music for the battle, and he witnessed how Biggie earned his reputation as the hottest rapper in the neighborhood. The battle attracted a lot of attention, and cars stopped to watch the spectacle. 50 Grand said they rocked the crowd until late at night.
DJ 50 Grand and DJ Mister Cee: The Demo Tape That Changed Everything
DJ 50 Grand made four demo tapes with Biggie, and he gave one of them to DJ Mister Cee, who was Big Daddy Kane’s DJ at the time. The tape featured Biggie rapping over Kane’s “Ain’t No Half Steppin” instrumental, and it showcased his remarkable flow and wordplay. DJ Mister Cee was blown away by the tape, and he passed it to Matty C, a writer for The Source magazine. Matty C decided to feature Biggie in the Unsigned Hype column, which highlighted promising new artists in the rap scene.
The Source article caught the eye of Sean “Puffy” Combs, who was then an A&R executive at Uptown Records. He contacted Biggie and offered him a record deal. Biggie accepted, and the rest is history. He went on to become one of the most influential and acclaimed rappers of all time, releasing classic albums like Ready to Die and Life After Death. He also inspired countless artists and fans with his music and his story.
DJ 50 Grand and Biggie Smalls: A Friendship That Lasted Until the End
DJ 50 Grand and Biggie Smalls remained friends even after Biggie’s fame and success. 50 Grand was part of Biggie’s entourage, and he often accompanied him on tours and events. He also continued to produce music for Biggie and other artists, such as Junior M.A.F.I.A., Lil’ Kim, and Faith Evans. He was devastated when Biggie was tragically murdered in March 1997, and he suffered emotional toll from the loss.
DJ 50 Grand was also close to Biggie’s family and friends, especially his cousin Lil’ Cease, who was also a member of Junior M.A.F.I.A. Lil’ Cease was the one who announced DJ 50 Grand’s death on his Instagram page, expressing his grief and gratitude. He said that there would be no Biggie without 50 Grand, and that he loved him and would miss him. He also shared some photos and videos of DJ 50 Grand with Biggie and other hip-hop figures, such as Easy Mo Bee, DJ Premier, and DJ Enuff.
DJ 50 Grand Cause of Death: A Mystery That Remains Unsolved
DJ 50 Grand’s cause of death has not been revealed to the public, and it is unclear if it was related to any health issues or other factors. His last Instagram post, dated June 11, 2022, showed him celebrating Biggie’s 50th birthday with Lil’ Cease and others at a restaurant in New York. He looked happy and healthy, and he thanked God for another year of life. He also paid homage to Biggie, calling him his brother and his inspiration.
DJ 50 Grand’s death came as a shock to many in the hip-hop community, who mourned his passing and honored his contributions. He was remembered as a visionary, a catalyst, and a pioneer, who helped discover and nurture one of the greatest rappers of all time. He was also praised as a loyal, humble, and generous person, who loved his family and friends. He left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten, and a mystery that will hopefully be solved.
