Died On This Date (August 28, 2009) DJ AM / Adam Goldstein
themusicsover DJ AM (Born Adam Goldstein)
March 30, 1973 – August 28, 2009
DJ AM first came to prominence in the late ’90s rock band, Crazy Town, whose “Butterfly” was a radio hit in 2001. A popular DJ with celebrities, he’s been known to play parties for the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna and Will Smith. In recent years DJ AM was collaborating with Travis Barker of Blink 182. The two survived a horrific private plane crash on September 19, 2008 while four others were killed. In 2005, DJ AM was engaged to Nicole Richie but the engagement was later called off. Adam Goldstein was found dead in his New York apartment on August 28, 2009. The coroner’s report later made public that Goldstein died of acute intoxication, or accidental overdose of various drugs including cocaine, Xanax and OxyContin.
Scott “La Rock” Sterling was a social worker and DJ when he met rapper KRS-One in 1986. The two along with D-Nice, formed rap group Boogie Down Productions in 1986. The group helped usher in what would later be called gansta rap with their gritty songs that married dancehall reggae with hip hop. Their debut hit album, Criminal Minded is considered a cornerstone of the genre. Scott Sterling died in a hospital operating room shortly after being shot by alleged hoods in the South Bronx. He was just 25.
Coming to prominence in the Detroit’s underground rap scene of the ’90s, Baatin was part of the popular rap group, Slum Village. The group released several albums throughout its career, including a couple for Capitol Records. Baatin left the group in 2002 due to undisclosed health reasons. He passed away at the age of 35 on July 31, 2009. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Khia Edgerton, aka DJ K-Swift was a popular Baltimore area DJ. She died after fracturing her neck in what was ruled a swimming accident when she dived into her backyard pool. Edgerton first interned at local radio station 92Q, while in college, and soon went to work for them full time. In 1998, she began co-hosting a program which became Baltimore’s highest rated radio show. Edgerton was also a popular draw at the local clubs and owned her own label, graphics company and management company. She was 27 when she died.