Calvin LeBrun’s Journey: From Hot 97 DJ to Hip-Hop Icon

TFD – Delve into the inspiring journey of Calvin LeBrun, famously known as Mister Cee, who made a significant mark as a DJ and radio host at Hot 97. Discover his impact on hip-hop culture and his collaborations with iconic artists like Big Daddy Kane and The Notorious B.I.G.

According to his previous employer, New York’s Hot 97 hip-hop radio station, Mister Cee, a well-liked and significant figure in hip-hop who worked as the DJ for rapper Big Daddy Kane and is recognized for having assisted in the discovery of The Notorious B.I.G., passed away.

He was fifty-seven.

The statement on Hot 97’s website states, “As a family at HOT 97 and WBLS, we’re deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Mister Cee.” “With his iconic Throwback at Noon and Friday Night Live sets, he delighted countless listeners and was more than just a DJ—he was a cornerstone of our stations.”

The statement continues, “Mr. Cee’s influence stretched far beyond the airwaves, shaping the very fabric of NYC’s DJ culture.” “His family and the people whose lives he touched with his music receive our deepest sympathies and condolences. Mr. Cee, you can relax. Your influence will last eternally.

The cause of death was kept private.

Born Calvin LeBrun, he was raised in Brooklyn, New York’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, where he would also form the relationships that would play a significant role in his life and work.

After becoming well-known in the New York City hip-hop culture, he worked as the official DJ for his high school classmate, the renowned rapper Big Daddy Kane, producing his 1988 debut album, “Long Live The Kane.

LeBrun’s boyhood friend Kevin “DJ 50 Grand” Griffin assisted rapper Christopher Wallace with recording his demo, which helped make him famous as Biggie Smalls, also known as The Notorious B.I.G.

“I first got to know him when Big was brought to my house by his DJ 50 Grand, may he rest in peace. DJ 50 Grand passed away in 2022. LeBraun said to Rock the Bells last year, “The idea was to redo the basement demo that he and 50 Grand put together. Big was quite bashful. Whenever he spoke, he would stoically remark things like, “Yo man, don’t be promising me nothing, man.” If you say you’re going to do something, do it.’ And I’m like, nah, we’re going to redo the demo.”

In addition to being credited with helping Wallace garner the recognition that catapulted him to stardom, he also functioned as an assistant producer on the rapper’s self-titled 1994 debut album, “Ready To Die.”

LeBrun went on to have a successful career as a DJ and radio host for Hot 97. In fact, he became so well-known that Funkmaster Flex and Jay-Z were namedchecked on the 2009 song “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)” when Jay-Z said, “I made this just for Flex and Mister Cee.”