Died On This Date (September 3, 2013) Matthew Africa / Popular San Francisco Disc Jockey
themusicsover Matthew Africa
DOB Unknown – September 3, 2012
Matthew Africa was a popular hip-hop DJ in the San Francisco bay area. Africa began building his following after he joined U.C. Berkeley radio station, KALX-FM. Over a career that spanned some 20 years, he was revered for his ability to find rare soul and hip-hop vinyl nuggets and introduce them to his audience. He went on to become a popular club, party, and event DJ while fans gobbled up his mix tapes. In recent years, Africa could be heard on AllDayPlay.fm. He also worked as an intellectual property attorney. On September 3, 2012, Matthew Africa and his wife, Ha Le were driving home from Yosemite when, for unknown reasons, he reportedly lost control of his car and ultimately collided with a big rig. While his wife was flown to a hospital with major injuries, Africa died from his injuries at the scene. He was 40.
Chris Lighty was a respected artist manager who counted Sean “Diddy” Combs, Mariah Carey, Ja Rule and 50 Cent as clients. Raised in New York City, Lighty landed his first significant gig in 1988 with Russell Simmon’s Rush Management. After learning the ropes and building a solid reputation as a man who could build brands, Lighty formed Violator Management. His early roster included Busta Rhymes, L L Cool J, and Missy Elliott. Before long, Lighty was representing some of the biggest names in entertainment, and while doing so, becoming one of the most significant business forces in rap history. Chris Lighty reportedly died from a self-inflected gunshot wound at his home on August 30, 2012. He was 44.
Ramona Scott, known professionally as Ms. Melodie, was a rapper and MC who was part of her one-time husband, KRS-One’ s group, Boogie Down Productions. She remained with the outfit until their divorce in 1992. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Scott released her first 12″ record, “Hype According To Ms. Melodie” in 1988. She followed that up with her one and only album, the mostly KRS-One produced, Diva in 1989. The album featured the hits, “Live On Stage” and “Wake Up, Wake Up,” which cracked the top 20 of Billboard’s Rap Singles Chart. Both received significant video airplay on MTV and other outlets. On July 18, 2012, it was announced that Ramona Scott passed away earlier that day. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Known professionally as Lil’ Phat, Melvin Vernell was an Atlanta area rapper who collaborated with Trill Entertainment’s Webbie and Lil’ Boosie on the 2008 hit song, “Independent,” which reached #9 on the Billboard singles chart and twice topped the rap charts. On his own, Lil’ Phat released a handful of records including Life Of A Yungsta and Death Before Dishonor. Police reports indicate that on June 7, 2012, Lil’ Phat was shot by an assailant or assailants in an area hospital parking structure. Neither the suspect(s) nor a motive were initially determined. Lil’ Phat was 19.
