Hitman Howie Tee, pioneering hip-hop producer with Jamaican roots, has died
Hitman Howie Tee, a pioneering hip-hop producer known for his work with Jamaican-American rappers Special Ed and Chubb Rock, has died.
The producer, born Howard Thompson in England to Jamaican parents and raised in New York, died on Saturday after ailing for sometime, according to US media reports.
Thompson helped launched the career of Special Ed, producing all of the then rising rapper’s 1989 debut album, Youngest in Charge, which featured the iconic hit single, I Got it Made.
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He’s also known for his collaborations with his first cousin Chubb Rock as well as UTFO and The Real Roxanne.
In 1991, he mixed and co-produced the Color Me Badd mega-hit, I Wanna Sex You Up, and in 1993 produced one of dancehall star Patra’s biggest songs, Romantic Call.
Legendary rap producer DJ Premier is among those who have paid tribute to Thompson on social media.
“His endless history from Full Force, The Real Roxanne, U.T.F.O., Chubb Rock, Sepcial Ed, Bell Biv Devoe, Color Me Badd, CDIII, Whistle and so many timeless hits he’ll never be forgotten for blessing us with soul in our Hip Hop Culture music in general and then some. I Love You Howie! May the universe welcome you with open arms King,” wrote DJ Premier.
Meanwhile, producer Salaam Remi wrote in tribute to Thompson: “One of those Ones that made you bob ya head and dance from early days well into the 90s. Nicest Dude who took time to look out for many including myself. At a lost for words. Love and Light to you in the Eternal Sound System.”
