Sidney “Omen” Brown, the Grammy-winning producer and DJ known for his work with Drake, Beyoncé, Ludacris, and Lil Wayne, has died at the age of 49. Brown, a Harlem native, was found in his New York City apartment on September 13 by a family member after missing a work shift. Brown made a name for himself by producing hits for Mýa, Fabolous and other artists on the Roc-A-Fella label, but his major break came when he produced Ludacris’ track “Tell It Like It Is” from the rapper’s 2006 album, Release Therapy, which earned him a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. He went on to co-produce Drake’s “Shut It Down” from his 2010 debut album, Thank Me Later, and he co-wrote and co-produced the Beyoncé track, “Mine,” featuring Drake, from her 2013 self-titled album. While details surrounding his death remain undisclosed, tributes have poured in from venues where Brown DJed and worked, remembering him as a talented artist and beloved friend who made a significant impact on hip-hop and R&B music. (People)
