Mike Beck, a member of Fat Joe’s K.A.R. collective, has reportedly been killed.
While details are still sketchy, word is, the New York rapper was gunned down in Brooklyn late last night (October 30), in a botched robbery attempt.
The death was confirmed by fellow rapper N.O.R.E., who posted a message on his Twitter page (@Noreaga).
“Rest in peace. He was a real dude, Mike Beck. I did records for him n he ate in my crib, n drank too. F***ed up my weekend. R.I.P.,” N.O.R.E. tweeted.
“Rest in peace Mike Beck, our running challenge is now dedicated to his memory,” he later added.
More of his peers also send their condolences via Twitter, including Fat Joe, Cool & Dre, DJ Khaled, and Raekwon.
Beck was an up-and-coming rapper, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. At age 17, he was incarcerated for five years. When released, his good friend Bill Blass–who has also passed–was managing Rakim, and encouraged him to take music seriously.
On his grind, Beck began making guest appearances on official albums from Fat Joe, Greg Street, and has appeared on countless mixtapes over the years.
He was also set to appear, heavily, on the upcoming Koch Records compilation, Joey Crack & Pistol Pete presents K.A.R.
Stay tuned as this story develops.