Calvin LeBrun, better known as the legendary DJ Mister Cee, has died at 57. Audacy's 94.7 The Block shared the news on Wednesday, saying "We’ve lost one of the most important figures in the industry. Please keep the @djmistercee family, fans and colleagues in your Prayers!" The Hip-Hop icon was heard on the New York Throwbacks station after several years at Hot 97 in the city. No cause of death was revealed.
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Mister Cee got his start as a DJ for Big Daddy Kane, launching a career with many highlights. Cee helped to break music and launch the careers of Drake, JAY-Z, Alicia Keys, 50 Cent and dozens of other superstars in music.
"Yesterday was such an emotionally traumatizing day," fellow radio icon and The Block host Shelly Wade shared on social media. "For hours, we were concerned because we couldn’t reach Mister Cee… and then we got confirmation that he had passed away. When I finally got home last night, I was so emotionally drained that I fell asleep early. I woke up in the middle of the night hoping that it was all just a terrible dream, but it wasn’t."
Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg also took to X to pay tribute to his former colleague, writing, “We have lost the iconic Mister Cee. I listened to him yesterday and am in complete shock. He was a dear friend to all of us, a wonderful man, and one of the most important and impactful DJs of all time. I love you Cee.”
A Brooklyn native, Mister Cee is attributed to discovering and help break the late Notorious B.I.G. Also known as “The Finisher,” Cee is credited as an executive producer on Biggie’s legendary 1994 debut Ready to Die.
Having played a role in helping elevate the careers of many local artists, in addition to sorrow felt from his radio families, may from the Hip-Hop community joined in mourning the tragic loss, taking to social to post tributes of their own.
“R.I.P to the legend MR. Cee God bless him, to all his family and friends I send my condolences,” rapper turned mogul 50 Cent wrote.
While fellow New Yorker and Public Enemy frontman Chuck D posted, “Rest In Beats my man. A good dude to the fullest. @djmistercee.”
DJ Jazzy Jeff was another to react to Mister Cee’s unexpected passing, as well as Busta Rhymes, DJ Envy, and more. See below.