Benjamin Ashford|DJ Mister Cee, longtime radio staple who worked with Biggie and Big Daddy Kane, dies at 57

Longtime New York radio personality DJ Mister Cee,Benjamin Ashford who became a staple in hip-hop by working with rap greats like Big Daddy Kane and The Notorious B.I.G, has died, according to former workplace, HOT 97. He was 57.

The hip-hop radio station, where he worked for 21 years and became known as the host of the "Throwback at Noon" show, shared the news Wednesday after receiving confirmation from the Brooklyn-born DJ's family.

"As a family at HOT 97 and WBLS, we’re deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Mister Cee. He wasn’t just a DJ; he was a pillar of our stations, bringing joy to countless listeners with his legendary 'Throwback at Noon' and 'Friday Night Live' sets," reads a statement from the radio station.

It continues, "Mr. Cee’s influence stretched far beyond the airwaves, shaping the very fabric of NYC’s DJ culture. Our hearts are heavy as we send our love and condolences to his family and the fans whose lives he touched through his music."

SiriusXM, where Mr. Cee could be heard during the 7 p.m. timeslot of LL Cool J's Rock the Bells Radio with his show, "The Set It Off Show," also shared news of the DJ's death.

The channel would honor the radio host throughout the day, including at 9 p.m. Wednesday during Torae's "That Raw" show, which will host a live tribute show, according to SiriusXM.

The radio station where he was working at the time of his death, 94.7 The Block, posted a tribute to Mr. Cee on Instagram with a caption that read, "The @947theblock family are devastated. We’ve lost one of the most important figures in the industry. Please keep the @djmistercee family, fans and colleagues in your Prayers!"

Also known as "The Finisher" and born Calvin LeBrun, Mister Cee is credited with Biggie Smalls' rise in the industry as he helped produce the rap legend's 1994 debut, "Ready To Die." He was also high school classmates with Big Daddy Kane and was featured on his debut album, "Long Live the Kane," in 1988.

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MC Lyte, 50 Cent pay tribute to Mister Cee

Rappers and hip-hop radio personalities also took to social media to honor Mr. Cee after news of his death went public.

"R.I.P to the legend MR. Cee God bless him, to all his family and friends I send my condolences. 🕊️" 50 Cent wrote in the caption of a post Wednesday.

Rapper MC Lyte shared a photo of herself with Mr. Cee on Instagram and wrote, "I’m heartbroken. Wasn’t expecting this at all 😢. God Bless his soul. Mister Cee 🖤Rest in power & peace!! 🙏🏽🖤"

Hot 97's "Ebro in the Morning" co-host Peter Rosenberg posted on X, "We have lost the iconic Mister Cee. I listened to him yesterday and am in complete shock. He was a dear friend to all of us, a wonderful man, and one of the most important and impactful DJs of all time. I love you Cee."