Died On This Date (April 4, 2009) Anthony “Tony D” Depula / Hip Hop Producer

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.