BeatKing Dead: Houston rapper and producer, whose real name is Justin Riley, has died at the age of 39, manager confirms on Instagram

The rapper, whose real name is Justin Riley, recently appeared during Nicki Minaj’s tour stop at the Toyota Center in May.

HOUSTON, Texas — BeatKing, a Houston rapper and producer known for his club music and also known as Club Godzilla, has died at the age of 39, his manager confirmed on Instagram on Thursday.

The artist, whose real name was Justin Riley, was also the father of two daughters.

No further details have been released about how or where he died, but manager Tasha Felder said BeatKing died on Thursday.

“Today, August 15, 2024, we lost @Clubgodzilla. BeatKing has been the best member of the club for over a decade. He produced and collaborated with so many artists, his sound will live on forever,” Felder wrote. “He loved his daughters @clubgodparenting, his music, and his fans. We will always love him.”

BeatKing’s 2020 song “Then Leave” was a viral hit on TikTok and in Houston.

But as Houston Chronicle music critic Joey Guerra notes, he rose to fame in 2010 with his album “Kings of the Club.”

His latest album, “Never Leave Houston On A Sunday,” was released last month.

According to BeatKing’s Facebook page, he attended Booker T. Washington High School.

BeatKing is remembered by fans and prominent figures in the music industry, including Three 6 Mafia and Houston rapper and entrepreneur Bun B, who are among the artists he has collaborated with.

Bun B wrote in an Instagram tribute that he was “an amazing spiritual person. We have lost a talented artist and father.”

BeatKing recently performed in Houston during Nicki Minaj’s tour at the Toyota Center in May.