BeatKing, the Houston rapper also known as Club Godzilla, has died. He was 39.
The recording artist died Thursday in a Houston hospital, his manager Tasha Felder confirmed to The Times on Friday.
Felder initially announced BeatKing’s death on Thursday in an Instagram post, writing, “Today, August 15, 2024, we lost @Clubgodzilla. BeatKing has been the best part of the club for over a decade. He has produced and worked with so many artists that his sound will live on forever. He loved his daughters @clubgodparenting, his music, and his fans. We will love him forever.”
The musician, whose real name was Justin Seth Riley, died of a pulmonary embolism, a condition that occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, preventing blood from flowing through. Felder told The Times that the rapper was taken to a nearby hospital after collapsing during an appearance on Urban One (Radio One) and later died.
“His daughters were with him the whole time. It’s very sad, we loved him so much,” Felder said.
Following the news of his death, artists paid tribute to BeatKing on social media.
“It’s always the good ones… A very energetic person. We lost a talented artist and a father. We are praying for @talameshia and his loved ones. Rest in peace @clubgodzilla,” rapper Bun B said in an Instagram post on Thursday.
Lil Scrappy, a fellow Houston rapper, posted a screenshot on his Instagram Story of his 2022 single “Thangin” and wrote, “Rest in peace Brudda that worked for @clubgodzilla. I'm lost in this.”
Memphis rap duo Three 6 Mafia commented under Felder's Instagram post on Thursday, writing, “RIP MANE! BIG BROTHER!!!”
BeatKing was born on November 24, 1984 in Houston. His music was popular among club-goers for its unique sound, southern rap influence, and explicit lyrics.
He rose to fame in 2010 with the release of “Crush”, which appeared on his 2011 album “Kings of the Club 2”.
In 2020, she released the viral hit “Then Leave,” featuring another Houston rapper, Queendome Come. The single is her most-streamed song on Spotify, with over 60 million streams. In 2022, she was featured on DJ Chose’s “THICK,” which became a viral hit that inspired a popular TikTok dance and remix featuring fellow Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion.
In July, the musician released his latest album, “Never Leave Houston on a Sunday.”
Riley is survived by his daughters Jayla and Kayla and his girlfriend, singer Talameshia.
