Mark Howard James, the producer known as “DJ Mark The 45 King” who worked with such rap hitmakers as Queen Latifah, Jay-Z and Eminem among many others, has died at 62.
His manager confirmed the death, but provided no further details.
Born in the Bronx, N.Y., James started producing in the mid-1980s as hip-hop became a cultural force He produced Queen Latifah’s debut album All Hail the Queen in the late ’80s, then was behind the board for such rap classics such as Jay-Z’s Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) and Stan by Eminem .
He earned his professional name by culling bits from obscure 45 singles His breakout track, The 900 Number, was released in 1987, and featured a prominent saxophone snippet from Marva Whitney’s 1968 song, Unwind Yourself. The song has been sampled and remixed by artists including DJ Kool, Public Enemy, Breakestra, and Ced Gee.
James was part of the...
His manager confirmed the death, but provided no further details.
Born in the Bronx, N.Y., James started producing in the mid-1980s as hip-hop became a cultural force He produced Queen Latifah’s debut album All Hail the Queen in the late ’80s, then was behind the board for such rap classics such as Jay-Z’s Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) and Stan by Eminem .
He earned his professional name by culling bits from obscure 45 singles His breakout track, The 900 Number, was released in 1987, and featured a prominent saxophone snippet from Marva Whitney’s 1968 song, Unwind Yourself. The song has been sampled and remixed by artists including DJ Kool, Public Enemy, Breakestra, and Ced Gee.
James was part of the...
- 10/19/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark Howard James, better known as the celebrated hip-hop DJ and producer the 45 King, who helped craft hits for Jay-Z, Eminem, and many more, died on Thursday. He was 62.
DJ Premier first announced James’ death on Instagram, noting his death came three days after his 62nd birthday. Paul Martinez, a spokesperson for the producer, confirmed James’ death to Rolling Stone but did not specify a cause.
“His sound was unlike any other from his heavy drums and his horns were so distinct on every production,” Premier wrote. “His vinyl releases...
DJ Premier first announced James’ death on Instagram, noting his death came three days after his 62nd birthday. Paul Martinez, a spokesperson for the producer, confirmed James’ death to Rolling Stone but did not specify a cause.
“His sound was unlike any other from his heavy drums and his horns were so distinct on every production,” Premier wrote. “His vinyl releases...
- 10/19/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy can’t be a cheap show to make. This superhero story is based on an ambitious, colorful comic book series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá and as such it features big action setpieces, depictions of superpowers, and even a talking chimp or two.
Still it’s hard to imagine any portion of The Umbrella Academy’s budget is larger than the music clearance department. The series features a moody score from Jeff Russo but also a truly stunning amount of pop hits. The Umbrella Academy made its musical intentions clear in its first episode with the now-beloved dance scene set to Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now.” And the show’s investment in soundtrack and music has only grown from there.
“Music is such an important thing to me and I really take time to pick the songs,” showrunner Steve Blackman says.
“We...
Still it’s hard to imagine any portion of The Umbrella Academy’s budget is larger than the music clearance department. The series features a moody score from Jeff Russo but also a truly stunning amount of pop hits. The Umbrella Academy made its musical intentions clear in its first episode with the now-beloved dance scene set to Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now.” And the show’s investment in soundtrack and music has only grown from there.
“Music is such an important thing to me and I really take time to pick the songs,” showrunner Steve Blackman says.
“We...
- 7/31/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Marva Whitney, the woman dubbed by James Brown as Soul Sister No. 1, has died. She was 68.
DJ Pari, Whitney's manager from 2004 through her retirement in 2011, tells The New York Times that the singer died of complications of pneumonia. She passed in her hometown.
"Marva's family would like to thank you for your love and support in this difficult time," a post on her Facebook page reads. "Marva's funeral will be on Saturday, January 5th, in Kansas City. Instead of flowers, the family asks you to support the Marva Whitney Memorial Fund, which is designed to fund musical education for children in Kansas City."
Whitney rose to fame after she joined the James Brown Revue in 1967. She is best known for her song "It's My Thing," which was a take on the Isley Brothers track "It's Your Thing." Brown, who was known as Soul Brother No. 1, called Whitney "Soul Sister No.
DJ Pari, Whitney's manager from 2004 through her retirement in 2011, tells The New York Times that the singer died of complications of pneumonia. She passed in her hometown.
"Marva's family would like to thank you for your love and support in this difficult time," a post on her Facebook page reads. "Marva's funeral will be on Saturday, January 5th, in Kansas City. Instead of flowers, the family asks you to support the Marva Whitney Memorial Fund, which is designed to fund musical education for children in Kansas City."
Whitney rose to fame after she joined the James Brown Revue in 1967. She is best known for her song "It's My Thing," which was a take on the Isley Brothers track "It's Your Thing." Brown, who was known as Soul Brother No. 1, called Whitney "Soul Sister No.
- 1/2/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Funk singer Marva Whitney has died at the age of 68. Nicknamed the 'Soul Sister #1' by her friend and collaborator James Brown, Whitney passed away over the weekend from complications related to pneumonia. A statement was released on the singer's Facebook fan page that read: "We're saddened to inform you that Soulsister #1 Marva Whitney passed away last night. She left us with a legacy that will shine forever. Please keep her family in your prayers." Whitney, whose real name is Marva Ann Manning, (more)...
- 12/24/2012
- by By Charlotte Grant-West
- Digital Spy
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