Tony D (Born Anthony Depula)
DOB Unknown – April 4, 2009

Tony D (right) with Russell Simmons
Tony D (right) with Russell Simmons

Trenton, New Jersey’s Anthony Depula (aka Tony D) was a veteran hip hop producer who started his career as a DJ in the mid ’80s by accident.  As a young fan of the music, he liked to help set up gear at parties and dances around town, so one night when the hired DJ failed to show up, he was told to get up there and do it.  He never looked back.  Tony D soon got into management, representing MC Serch of 3rd Base at one time.  But his true calling was as a producer.  Over the past two decades, he produced such as acts DJ Muggs, Young Zee, The Outsidaz, King Sun, and most famously, Poor Righteous Teachers, on their “Rock Dis Funky Joint,” a chart topping hip hop classic from 1990.  Anthony Depula was killed in what initially appeared to have been a single car accident in Hamilton, New Jersey.



5 thoughts on “Died On This Date (April 4, 2009) Anthony “Tony D” Depula / Hip Hop Producer”
  1. The Partners in Rhyme, Poor Righteous Teachers and Intelligent Muzik with deepest sympathy and regret send our condolences to the family of Anthony “Tony D” Depula. We remember Tony D as one of the most important figures in the development of rap music in the city of Trenton, as well as New Jersey! Tony was instrumental in helping launch the careers of groundbreaking hip hop acts, like YZ, Too Kool Posse, Partners in Rhyme and of course, the legendary Poor Righteous Teachers! He will be sorely missed, not only by friends and family, but the members of this close knit community of hip hop headz! As a community we pause the beat, to salute my Partner in Rhyme,R.I.P, Tony D!

    Sincerely,

    Gino G. C.O.O
    PARTNERS IN RHYME
    INTELLIGENT MUZIK

  2. T-Dog will be missed,need to forfill the void,his absents will have a deep effect on others in the field. Need to do something to HELP the family…I want to set-up a Memorial at my productions company on Front Street downtown Trenton,will look forward to working with people in the Music Industry, this will be an inspiration to the youth today and to HELP them to BELIEVE that this desire in them can come to pass. Sincerely 609-943-7643 LAM

  3. To My 2nd Bro. May you Rest in Peace. God took u away from us for a reason and it is because he has something better in store for you. Your legacy will live on through Sophia and Olivia.

  4. Dear DePula Family

    My son and I did not know you and your family that well, but living in the Deutzville Neighborhood it did not take long. My son and I would like to offer our deepest sympathies on your loss of such a wonderful & caring person.

    I first met Tony and his family when the family dog was getting older and sh started wondering the neighborhood, being an animal lover would make sure she got home okay before going to work.

    If there is anything we as a neighborhood can do, please let us know.

    Mary & Kevin Pearsall

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