“Famous Producer Omen, for Drake, Beyoncé, and Lil Wayne, Dies at 49”
The music world is mourning the loss of Grammy-winning producer Omen. The record producer has worked with artists like Beyoncé, Jay Z, Drake, and Lil Wayne. The “Shut It Down” producer was found dead in his Harlem apartment on Saturday, September 13, at the age of 49. The family became concerned after Omen missed a DJ gig at Barawine Harlem, which prompted a welfare check. Omen will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and coworkers.
“Hip-Hop Mourns Influential DJ “
Sydney Brown, better known by his DJ and producer stage name Omen, died earlier this month. The news was a shock to many. Omen’s sister, Nicole Iris Brown, said he was healthy with no health issues and lived a holistic lifestyle. After Omen did not show up for a job he had been doing for over ten years, his family and coworkers at the Barawine Harlem bar became worried. The “Mine” hitmaker’s body was discovered by his sister in his Harlem apartment. Omen passed at the age of 49, and his cause of death is still unknown.
The Barawine Harlem DJ will live on through his hit songs and impact on the hip-hop community, helping younger artist find their sound. Omen’s sister, Nicole, told NBC News how she would like people to remember her brother.
“I hope people will remember that he was willing to help the younger generation,” Nicole Brown said. “He was always big on helping younger people start their careers and get themselves into the game,” she said. “It was about just the music, no matter who the artist was.”
“From Harlem Roots to Grammy Glory”
Sidney “Omen” Brown was born in Harlem, New York, and started catching recognition as a DJ and producer in the late 90s. The “I’m Single” producer helped create the sound for Roc A Fella Records, working with artists Memphis Bleek and Amil. By 2002, the “Acting Crazy” producer had added another title to his belt as a film scorer for the “Paper Soldiers” movie.
The “One Day” music maker also worked with early in his career are singer Mya, rapper Fabulous, and Keith Murray. In 2007, Omen won his first Grammy working with Ludacris for his 2006 album “Release Therapy”. Omen is credited on the song “Tell It Like It Is”, which won a Grammy for Best Rap Album.
Powerful Collaborations with Hip-Hop Icons
Rap superstar Drake is one of the artists the “Overdose On Life” composer helped early in his career. Omen and OVO producer Noah “40” Shebib collaborated on the 2010 lady anthem “Shut It Down” featuring The-Dream for the album “Thank Me Later”.
Another Young Money artist the iconic producer worked with is Lil Wayne, producing “I’m Single” for the “No Ceilings” mixtape and again with Drake in 2013 on the Beyoncé track “Mine”. Other artists he has production credits for are Usher, Action Bronson, Vedo, Redman, and Jellystone.
