On August 15, 2024, the Houston, Texas rap community lost a significant figure with the passing of Justin “BeatKing” Riley at the age of 39.
Known on stage as BeatKing, Riley fell unconscious during a morning radio show at the Urban One/Radio One station in Houston, Texas. He was taken to a local hospital where he later passed away. Reports suggest that the cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, a condition characterized by a blood clot blocking a vessel in the lungs.
BeatKing was an influential and respected figure in the Southern and Texas rap scenes, with an impact dating back to the early 2000s. His music, marked by his lively beats and humorous personality, created a significant impact, especially among club-goers. This earned him the nickname “Club Godzilla,” which he also used as his Instagram handle.
Tasha Felder, BeatKing’s manager, announced the unfortunate news on Instagram. In her message, Felder highlighted Riley’s significant contributions to the music landscape and his deep love for his daughters. She also stated, “BeatKing has been the best part of the club for over a decade. He has produced and worked with so many artists, that his sound will forever live.”
The unexpected death of Riley has shocked the music fraternity, with numerous fans and fellow musicians expressing their condolences and tributes on social media.
Aside from his music, Riley was appreciated for his friendly and humble nature, which earned him a large fanbase across the region. His breakout single “Crush” brought him into the limelight in the early 2010s, but it was his 2020 hit “Then Leave” that propelled him to national fame. The song went viral on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic, bolstering his reputation as a leading figure in the Southern rap community.
Throughout his career, Riley collaborated with renowned artists such as 2 Chainz and Moneybagg Yo, which helped boost the profiles of both parties.
Riley was also known for his creative and humorous insights into parenting, which he shared through his Instagram account, “Club God Parenting.” This provided fans with a glimpse into his life as a father and showed his deep love for his daughters.
As news of Riley’s death spread, the music industry reacted with an outpouring of tributes. Houston rapper Bun B expressed his grief, describing BeatKing as a “talented artist and a great-spirited person.”
The Southern rap community will undoubtedly feel the loss of Riley, whose contributions will be remembered for years to come.
BeatKing leaves behind two daughters, who were reportedly with him at the hospital at the time of his death. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they grieve the loss of a father, an artist, and a friend.