DJ Polo of Influential Rap Duo With Kool G Rap Dies

DJ Polo, born Thomas Pough, has unexpectedly died, his family announced over the weekend.

Kool G Rap & DJ Polo are one of the more influential duos in hip-hop history. Both members of the legendary Juice Crew, their first three albums — Road to the Riches (1989), Wanted: Dead or Alive (1990) and Live and Let Die (1992) — are the blueprints when it comes to mafioso rap and storytelling. Any fan or aspiring rapper should be familiar with them if they want to learn about the pioneers of telling crime stories in rap form. The group also released a compilation album in 1996 called Rated XXX, with Polo dropping his solo album Polo’s Playhouse two years later in 1998.

One of his children shared the news via Polo’s official Instagram account, posting this statement: “It is with a heavy heart we mourn the loss of my father, the incredible DJ Polo. He was not only a legend to the hip hop community but also to his family and we celebrate his life and legacy now and forever. We would like to thank you all for your beautiful words and tributes – seeing the impact he made has been overwhelming and we are so grateful… Thank you all again for your condolences and for respecting the family’s privacy at this time. We miss you Cuzmo.”

Kool G Rap paid tribute to his friend and collaborator Sunday with a statement of his own, writing: “R.I.P. to a dear friend and a Brother from another Household He is a Legend to Hip Hop and Juice Crew history. DJ Polo! May Light from the Highest be upon him.”

Eric B and Ice-T also paid tribute to their late friend.

The cause of death has yet to be announced.