The Houston music community and fans worldwide are in mourning following the sudden passing of popular rapper BeatKing, whose real name was Justin Riley. The tragic news was announced by his manager, Tasha Felder, on social media on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Riley was just 39 years old.
“Today, August 15, 2024, we have lost @clubgodzilla. BeatKing has been the best part of the club for over a decade,” Felder wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post. “He has produced and worked with so many artists, that his sound will forever live on. He loved his daughters @clubgodparenting, his music, and his fans. We will love him forever.”
Felder revealed to TMZ that Riley’s untimely death was caused by a pulmonary embolism. The rapper was participating in a morning takeover at Urban One/Radio One station on Thursday when he fainted. He was immediately rushed to a nearby Houston hospital, where he sadly passed away later that day with his two beloved daughters, Jayla and Kayla, by his side.
Justin Riley, better known by his stage name BeatKing, was a pivotal figure in Houston’s rap scene. He first gained widespread recognition with his 2010 album, “Kings of the Club,” which cemented his reputation as a dynamic and influential artist in the club and party music genre. However, it was his 2020 track “Then Leave” that truly catapulted him to mainstream success, thanks in large part to its viral popularity on TikTok. The song became an anthem on the platform and was heavily featured on Houston radio stations, solidifying Riley’s status as a household name.
BeatKing’s influence extended beyond his music; he was a beloved figure in the community, known for his dedication to his craft, his fans, and most importantly, his family. In May of this year, he made a notable appearance during Nicki Minaj’s tour stop at the Toyota Center, further demonstrating his lasting impact on the music scene.
As the news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from fans, fellow artists, and industry insiders who remembered Riley not just for his musical talents, but for his generosity, humor, and love for his daughters. “It is truly sad, we loved him so much,” Felder said in her statement, capturing the sentiments of many who admired the rapper.
BeatKing’s legacy will undoubtedly endure through the music he created, the lives he touched, and the indelible mark he left on Houston’s vibrant hip-hop culture. He is survived by his daughters, Kayla and Jayla, who will carry forward the memory of their father, a man who gave so much of himself to his art and his community.
As Houston and the wider music world continue to grapple with this profound loss, BeatKing’s music will remain a testament to his talent and the joy he brought to countless listeners.
