The 45 King: Hip-Hop Producer Behind Jay-Z and Eminem Hits Dies at 62

Mark Howard James, often known as the 45 King, was a well-known hip-hop DJ and producer who helped Jay-Z, Eminem, and many other artists create hits. He passed away on Thursday. He was 62.

James’ passing was first reported by DJ Premier on Instagram, adding that it occurred three days after his 62nd birthday. James’ passing was verified to Rolling Stone by Paul Martinez, a representative for the producer, who did not provide a cause of death.

In addition to remixing music for artists including Madonna, Public Enemy, Lisa Stansfield, Salt-N-Pepa, and Eric B. & Rakim, DJ Mark the 45 King worked as a producer for MC Lyte, Craig Mack, and Rakim. His death was confirmed to Variety on Thursday by a representative for the late producer; the exact cause of death was not disclosed.

The 45 King: Hip-Hop Producer Behind Jay-Z and Eminem Hits Dies at 62

The 45 King, a well-known hip-hop producer from New York City who collaborated with Jay-Z, Eminem, and Queen Latifah, passed away on Thursday. He was 62. The 45 King, real name Mark Howard James, adopted the monicker because to his love of sampling old, obscure music.
His passing was reported on social media by DJ Premier, a fellow hip-hop producer, on Thursday afternoon.