Music & Musicians

Popular Texas rapper BeatKing dies after losing consciousness during radio takeover

Houston-based rapper Justin "BeatKing" Riley fainted while doing a radio show Thursday and later died, according to his manager

NBC Universal, Inc.

It’s a sad day for Texas Hip Hop. Popular Houston rapper Justin “BeatKing” Riley died after losing consciousness Thursday while doing a morning radio show. He was 39.

On Thursday afternoon, his manager made an Instagram post confirming the tragic loss, saying, “Today, August 15, 2024, we have lost @Clubgodzilla.”

Riley's manager, Tasha Felder, told NBC 5 the rapper was doing a morning takeover on Urban One when he suddenly fainted. He was taken to a hospital in Houston, where he later died.

Riley's death is believed to have been caused by a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition where a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs.

"It is truly sad," Felder said. "We love him so much."

Felder said Riley's daughters were with him at the radio station when he lost consciousness and were by his side at the hospital.

BeatKing was best known for his music style and his significant impact on hip-hop culture in the South during the early 2000s. His infectious beats and innovative marketing strategies propelled him to stardom, captivating the hearts of both fans and fellow artists.

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