Houston rapper BeatKing, born Justin Riley, passed away on Thursday at the age of 39.
His longtime manager, Tasha Fielder, announced his death via Instagram.
Who is BeatKing?
If you’ve ever set foot in a Hip-Hop club in Houston or Dallas, or even tuned in to your local radio, chances are BeatKing’s tracks were booming through the speakers.
BeatKing has been a fixture on the Houston club scene since the early 2010s, dropping influential projects like “King of the Club,” “Club God 3,” “Gangsta Stripper Music,” and collaborations on hits like Travis Scott’s “Astroworld” and “Twerk It for Vine.”
In the summer of 2010, BeatKing scored a major hit with “Crush” from his 2011 album “Kings of the Club,” which became a radio favorite and club anthem. He also made waves with tracks like “Then Leave” featuring Queendom Come in 2020 and Erica Banks’ 2022 single “Toot That” alongside DreamDoll.
Known for his bold lyrics, heavy basslines, and ability to keep the energy high in the club, BeatKing collaborated with artists like Ludacris, Juicy J, DJ Chose, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Project Pat, and more. His most recent album, “She Won’t Leave Houston,” was released last July.
What happened to BeatKing?
BeatKing tragically passed away from a pulmonary embolism. According to rumors, BeatKing collapsed during a morning radio show at an Urban One station. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died. His daughters were by his side throughout the ordeal. Felder expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing how much BeatKing was loved by those who knew him.
What is pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a severe medical condition that happens when a blood clot, typically originating from the deep veins in the legs (known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT), travels through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in one of the lung arteries. This blockage can prevent blood from reaching parts of the lung, leading to lung tissue damage and reducing the lungs’ ability to supply oxygen to the body.
Symptoms of PE may include:
- Shortness of Breath: Sudden, unexplained difficulty in breathing.
- Chest Pain: Often sharp and may worsen with deep breaths, coughing, or physical activity.
- Coughing: Sometimes accompanied by blood (hemoptysis).
- Rapid Heart Rate: A fast heartbeat or palpitations.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: May occur if blood flow to the brain is compromised.
Don’t miss out on the latest updates, insights, and exclusive content—bookmark our site today. By saving our page to your favorites, you’ll have quick and easy access to everything we offer, from breaking news and in-depth articles to special features and more. Stay connected and informed by keeping our site just a click away.