Rich Nichols, the beloved manager for the famed hip-hop band, The Roots, has passed away at the age of 55. Nichols, a former DJ, began working with the legendary crew in 1992 and guided their path to stardom and acclaim. He also provided mentorship to other acts, such as Talib Kweli, Little Brother and Jill Scott.
Several of the artists he’d touched posted their condolences on Twitter.
“Rest in peace to one of the greatest men I’ve ever met, Rich Nichols,” Talib Kweli tweeted. “RIP to my man Rich Nichols. The lessons he taught me both in and out of the studio were priceless. Rest easy, good brother,” posted Phonte.
Jill Scott tweeted: “Enduring respect for a brilliant, extraordinary MAN, Rich Nichols. Peace is yours.”
The Roots issued a full statement on Nichols’ death.
“The Roots Family are devastated to announce the passing of Richard Nichols, the band’s longtime manager, after a long battle with leukemia. Nichols, 55, a Philadelphia native, managed the band from its inception in 1992, and was instrumental in every aspect of The Roots’ creative, cultural, and professional life over the past two decades. Nichols is survived by his wife, Mercedes Martinez, his sons Amiri Nichols and Rakim Nichols, his sisters Rochelle Nichols-Solomon, Rebecca Dennis, his brothers Russell Nichols and Reginald Nichols, and the many individuals and artists he mentored in his lifetime.”
