The New Orleans bounce music scene was dealt a heavy blow this week as news spreads that famous Bounce MC Nicky Da B died yesterday, Sept. 2.
According to Nola.com, Nicky’s manager confirmed the news that Nicky, born Nickesse Toney, passed away after suffering a brief illness. He was only 24.
Nicky, who rose to fame with the release of his local club hit “Drop It Like A Hot Potato” in 2011, became a worldwide star in 2012 when he teamed up with super producer Diplo for the frenetic dance anthem “Express Yourself.”
Since then, Nicky, who was openly gay, has been riding the wave of popularity engulfing New Orleans’ bounce music scene and he was poised to be one of the scene’s biggest stars.
“There are no words to express the loss all of us who knew Nicky Da B are feeling right now. Thank you all for the kind messages and thoughts. Though his death is tragic, he would love nothing more than to be remembered for having brought smiles and joy to people he worked with, performed for and called his friends. He was well loved and one of the brightest artists I’ve ever known,” said Nicky’s manager, Rusty Lazer, in a statement on his Facebook page.
“Keep his family in your thoughts as we make plans to honor his life and make sure his legacy is meaningful and fitting for a talent like his,” Lazer wrote. “Thank you all so much. I loved that kid, and the world is a little darker without him.”
Fellow Bounce superstar Big Freedia also expressed his sadness over the death of his friend.
“He was definitely loved by many, all his fans, colleagues, family and friends,” Big Freedia said Tuesday, “We’re saddened by his loss. The bounce community will miss him. He was a phenomenal new sound for us, and he would have been going places.”
“I’m lost for words right now may u rest in heaven Nicky Da B! Another bounce artist gone home. I can’t take another death or funeral right now, still trying to recover from the last 6! It’s Gods will tho and it shall be done, condolences to the Nicky B family friends and fans !!” wrote Freedia in an Instagram tribute to Nicky.
Diplo also expressed his sadness on Twitter, sharing that he and Nicky were in the middle of working on new music together.
Our condolences go out to Nicky and his family and friends, and we will surely miss seeing him in the world of bounce music. – nicholas robinson
