DJ Polo, born Thomas Pough, has died unexpectedly, his family announced over the weekend.
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo are one of the most influential duos in hip-hop history. Both members of the legendary Juice Crew, their first three albums — Road to riches (1989), Wanted: Dead or Alive (1990) and Live and let others die (1992) — are the blueprints when it comes to mob rap and storytelling. Any fan or aspiring rapper should be familiar with them if they want to know about the pioneers of crime storytelling in rap form. The band also released a compilation album in 1996 titled Rating XXXwith Polo releasing his solo album Polo's Playhousetwo years later in 1998.
One of his children shared the news via Polo's official Instagram account, posting the following statement: “It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of my father, the incredible DJ Polo. He was not only a legend to the hip hop community but also to his family and we celebrate his life and legacy now and forever. We would like to thank you all for your kind words and tributes – seeing the impact it has had has been overwhelming and we are so grateful… Thank you all again for your condolences and for respecting the family's privacy at this time. We miss you Cuzmo.”
Kool G Rap paid tribute to his friend and collaborator on Sunday with a statement of his own, writing: “RIP to a dear friend and brother from another household He is a Legend to Hip Hop and Juice Crew history. DJ Polo! May the Light from on high be upon him.”
Eric B and Ice-T they also paid tribute to their late friend.
The cause of death has not yet been announced.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/dj-polo-dead-1235742537/
