Justin “BeatKing” Riley, a prominent figure in the Houston rap scene, passed away at the age of 39 on August 15, 2024. 

Riley, widely known by his stage name BeatKing, was participating in a morning radio show takeover at the Urban One/Radio One station in Houston, Texas when he fainted. He was immediately rushed to a local hospital, where he later died. According to reports, the cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, a condition where a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the lungs.

BeatKing was a well-loved figure in the Texas and Southern rap communities, where his influence stretched back to the early 2000s. Known for his humorous personality and energetic beats, Riley made a significant impact on the music industry, particularly in the Southern states. His music often resonated with club-goers, earning him the moniker “Club Godzilla,” which he proudly used as his Instagram handle.

His manager, Tasha Felder, took to Instagram to announce the tragic news, sharing a heartfelt post that praised Riley’s contributions to the music world and his love for his daughters. “BeatKing has been the best part of the club for over a decade,” Felder wrote in her tribute. “He has produced and worked with so many artists, that his sound will forever live.” Felder’s post also highlighted Riley’s deep love for his family.

Riley’s sudden death has left the music community in shock, with fans and fellow artists flooding social media with tributes and messages of condolence. 

Riley was not only respected for his music but also cherished for his approachable and down-to-earth personality, which endeared him to fans across the region.

BeatKing first rose to prominence in the early 2010s with his breakout single “Crush,” but it was his 2020 hit “Then Leave” that truly catapulted him into the national spotlight. The song became a viral sensation on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in the Southern rap scene. 

Throughout his career, Riley collaborated with well-known artists such as 2 Chainz and Moneybagg Yo, helping to elevate the profiles of both himself and his collaborators.

In addition to his music, Riley was also known for his creative and often humorous approach to parenting, which he shared with his fans through his Instagram account. The account, which he dubbed “Club God Parenting,” provided a glimpse into his life as a father and allowed his followers to see a more personal side of the artist. His love for his daughters was evident in his posts, and it is clear that family was a central part of his life.

As news of Riley’s death spread, tributes poured in from across the music industry. Fellow Houston rapper Bun B expressed his grief, remembering BeatKing as a “talented artist and a great-spirited person.” 

The loss of Riley has undoubtedly left a void in the Southern rap community, where his contributions will be remembered for years to come.

BeatKing is survived by his two daughters, who were reportedly by his side at the hospital at the time of his passing. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, as they come to terms with the loss of a father, an artist, and a friend.