Ladybug Mecca, Prince Paul, Don Newkirk and Rodrigo Brandão formed BROOKZILL! in 2017 out of a shared love of Brazilian and Hip Hop music. They released just one album, Throwback To The Future, then disbanded. But on Sunday (November 27), Rahiem of Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five revealed Newkirk had passed away at the age of 56.
“It is with a heavy heart I announce the transitioning of my brother Don Newkirk,” Rahiem wrote in a Facebook post. “Fifty-six years young. Don Newkirk was among the first R&B artists signed to Def Jam records. My condolences go out to his family. S.I.P bro.”
Newkirk, a former Def Jam artist, served as the game show host on De La Soul's 1989 debut, 3 Feet High and Rising, and provided voiceover work on the hit 3rd Bass song “The Gas Face” from The Cactus Album that same year. Needless to say, his legacy goes back decades, and his collaborators/friends were crushed by the news.
Speaking to RAPstation, Ladybug Mecca wasn't aware he'd passed but after doing some digging, she confirmed the tragic news. Taking to Instagram, the Digable Planets MC shared, "I promise to come and find you on the other side, Don Newkirk" alongside a broken heart emoji.
Prince Paul, whose relationship with Newkirk stretches back to the De La Soul days, was equally as devastated and could barely find the words. As he explained via Instagram, "If you know me you know him. I'm still trying to process that this really happened ? I could write a book on our friendship our brotherhood. I'm not good on social media so ...... A big part of who I am is due to him @donnewkirk . This isn't fair... RIP my soul brother ..Please show your respect and support to his family @libby_lady @saleem_shaddaiel @robersonkurt."
Prince Paul and Ladybug Mecca were among the many paying tribute to Newkirk on social media. Chuck D, R.A. The Rugged Man, Doodlebug and Questlove also sent their condolences to Newkirk's family.
