Texas rapper BeatKing dies at age 39 from pulmonary embolism

August 16, 2024

By M Muzamil Shami

Houston rapper BeatKing, born Justin Riley, passed away on Thursday at 39. His manager, Tasha Fielder, shared the news on Instagram.

Who is BeatKing?

Whether you've hit up a Hip-Hop club in Houston or Dallas, or tuned into your local radio, chances are you've heard BeatKing blasting through the speakers.

BeatKing has been a staple in Houston's club scene since the early 2010s with releases like "King of the Club," "Club God 3," "Gangsta Stripper Music," and contributions to Travis Scott's "Astroworld" and "Twerk It for Vine."

BeatKing made waves with his 2010 hit "Crush," from his 2011 album "Kings of the Club." He's also recognized for tracks like "Then Leave" with Queendom Come in 2020 and Erica Banks' 2022 single "Toot That" featuring DreamDoll.

Known for his bold lyrics and signature club sound with heavy basslines, BeatKing has teamed up with artists such as Ludacris, Juicy J, DJ Chose, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, and Project Pat. His most recent album, "She Won't Leave Houston," was released last July.

What occurred with BeatKing?

In an email to USA TODAY, Fielder shared that the artist collapsed during his radio show.

"He was hosting a morning takeover at an Urban One (Radio One) station when he suddenly lost consciousness," Felder wrote. "He was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died. His daughters were by his side throughout. It's heartbreaking; we loved him deeply."

Felder announced on Thursday that BeatKing passed away due to a pulmonary embolism.

What is a pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a critical health issue that arises when a blood clot, often originating from deep veins in the legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT), moves through the bloodstream and becomes trapped in one of the pulmonary arteries. This blockage can restrict blood flow to a section of the lung, leading to tissue damage and reducing the lungs' capacity to deliver oxygen to the body.

Possible symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE) include:

Shortness of Breath: Unexpected and severe difficulty breathing.

Chest Pain: Sharp pain that may intensify with deep breaths, coughing, or physical exertion.

Coughing: Sometimes accompanied by blood (hemoptysis).

Rapid Heart Rate: An accelerated heartbeat or palpitations.

Dizziness or Lightheadedness: May occur if brain blood flow is compromised.

2 Chainz, Bun B, and others pay tribute to BeatKing

Fans of BeatKing and collaborating artists have shared their favorite moments with him on social media.