Calvin LeBrun, widely known as New York radio DJ Mister Cee or DJ Mister Cee, passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 57. A cornerstone of the New York hip-hop scene, Mister Cee was a DJ, record executive, radio personality, and a key figure in the careers of rap legends like Big Daddy Kane and The Notorious B.I.G.
Born in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in 1966, LeBrun’s path to hip-hop stardom began in high school where he met Big Daddy Kane. Following graduation, they both worked day jobs while building their musical careers. In 1988, Mister Cee’s skills as a DJ propelled Big Daddy Kane to national recognition with the release of the groundbreaking album “Long Live the Kane.”
Mister Cee’s influence extended beyond the turntables. He served as the associate executive producer for The Notorious B.I.G.’s iconic debut album, “Ready to Die,” released in 1994. His keen ear for talent and production expertise helped shape the sound of a future rap icon.
Mister Cee was a fixture on New York’s radio airwaves, most notably on HOT 97. His voice became synonymous with New York hip-hop, keeping listeners engaged and informed about the latest trends.
Beyond his accomplishments, Mister Cee’s life also sparked public conversation. His legal troubles related to soliciting prostitution from transgender women became a topic of debate within the hip-hop community.
The Hip Hop producer was arrested in 2011 and 2013 multiple times for soliciting a prostitute all while claiming he wasn’t gay.
Only recently he was seen with 50 Cent, cracking jokes on P. Diddy about gay allegations made in a lawsuit filed by Lil Rod.
50 Cent had defended DJ Mister Cee when he was arrested for indecent exposure in 2013. While acknowledging the act was wrong 50 claimed he believes Mister Cee’s contributions to hip-hop, like producing music for Notorious B.I.G., outweigh the mistake. 50 Cent argues that since the music industry accepts similar behavior by some performers, Mister Cee shouldn’t be judged so harshly.
Mr. Cee was an association producer on the Notorious B.I.G.’s debut album “Ready To Die” in 1994 and a producer on the mixtape Best of Biggie Smalls released in 1995.
