Legendary hip-hop and R&B producer was 53 – deadline

DC-born record producer Chucky Thompson, who made music with some of the biggest hip hop and R&B stars of the ’90s, has died according to multiple reports.

Producer Young Guru broke the news on Monday and paid tribute to Thompson, who mentored him early on on Bad Boy Records.

“There is nothing I can write that will take away this pain,” Guru wrote in a caption to a published photo of himself and Thompson. “I have to say RIP to my mentor, my big brother, the man who changed my life forever. You were the nicest person the world has ever seen. You were the most gifted musician I have ever known. You treated my family like family from day one.

He continued, “You pointed out to the labels that I had to fly to New York with you in every session. You put me in rooms with Biggie. I will be forever indebted to you, and I will be at never your little brother. This one hurts so much I can even explain it. RIP @ chucklife365 there will never be another you !!!! ”

Thompson got his start playing for legendary Chuck Brown go-go group The Soul Searchers before landing a role as a member of Bad Boy Entertainment’s in-house producer group known as The Hitmen. There he helped shape the sound of ’90s hip hop and R&B, working with Mary J. Blige, Usher, TLC and more. He has produced hits such as “Big Poppa” by The Notorious BIG, “Flava in Ya Ear” by Craig Mack, “Can’t You See” by Total and “Soon As I Get Home” by Faith Evans. He has also worked with New Edition, TLC and Jennifer Lopez and produced “One Mic” for Nas in 2002.

Prior to her death, Thompson worked alongside Shania Twain and was filming a documentary about her life.

His publicist issued the following statement:

“It is with a heavy heart that I can confirm the passing of Chucky Thompson. To anyone in his orbit, you know how generous he was with his energy, creativity and love. The music industry and the world have lost a titan. “