Legendary super producer the 45 King recently announced that he’d suffered a massive heart attack. The producer, who’s crafted hits for numerous hip-hop stars over the course of his 25 year career, made the news public via his Twitter page. Without giving too many details regarding the specifics of his health or what happened, the producer confirmed that he wasn’t well–but sounded cheerful about his recovery.
“Had a heart attack … Wednesday [January 22],” 45 King said in his tweet. “My blood needs more oxygen. It’s a hard knock life …Wish me luck!”
The 45 King produced classic albums and tracks for everyone from Queen Latifah to Eminem. He crafted Latifah’s classic “U.N.I.T.Y.,” Eminem’s “Stan,” and Jay’s “Hard Knock Life” hit singles.
In an excerpt from a short documentary about the 45 King, Jay Z talked about the beat maker’s legacy and his somewhat sporadic recording habits.
“He goes in an out of the scene,” Jay Z says. “He came back and he made ‘Stan’ for Eminem. He does these great and remarkable cultural things that grab culture. He’s actually a genius in that way. And then he just disappears for years.”
