Quinn Coleman, better known by his stage name DJ Spicoli, was a talented and influential figure in the music world. He was an A&R executive at Capitol Records, a founder of the hip-hop and electronic music festival Trillectro, and a popular DJ who performed at various venues and events. He was also the son of Debra Lee, the former CEO of BET, and Randy Coleman.
On August 16, 2020, Coleman passed away unexpectedly at the age of 31. The cause of his death has not been revealed to the public. His family issued a statement to The Grio, expressing their grief and asking for privacy and respect. They described him as a loving son, brother, cousin and friend, who had a bright future ahead of him.
The Legacy of DJ Spicoli
Coleman started his career as a DJ in Washington, D.C., where he grew up. He adopted the name DJ Spicoli, inspired by the character from the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. He was known for his eclectic and energetic mixes of hip-hop, R&B, pop, and electronic music. He also had a keen ear for discovering new and emerging artists.
In 2012, he co-founded Trillectro, a music festival that aimed to bridge the gap between hip-hop and electronic music. The festival featured performances by artists such as Kendrick Lamar, ASAP Rocky, RL Grime, Baauer, SZA, Migos, and many more. Trillectro became one of the most anticipated events in the D.C. area and beyond.
In 2018, Coleman joined Capitol Records as an A&R executive. He was responsible for scouting and signing new talent, as well as overseeing the creative development of existing artists. He signed Basstracks, an R&B duo who dedicated their debut album to him after his passing. He also worked with artists such as Njomza, Kemba, and BJ The Chicago Kid.
The Tributes from the Music Industry
Coleman’s death shocked and saddened many people in the music industry, who took to social media to pay tribute to him. They praised his passion, positivity, personality, and professionalism. They also shared their memories and condolences with his family and friends.
Some of the celebrities who expressed their sorrow included DJ Jazzy Jef, Kenny Beats, Just Blaze, Questlove, Lizzo, Kehlani, and many more.
Coleman’s legacy will live on through his music, his festival, his artists, and his loved ones. He will be remembered as a visionary, a leader, a mentor, and a friend. He will be missed by many. Rest in peace, DJ Spicoli.
