Rapper BeatKing died at Houston hospital due to pulmonary embolism at age 39

Houston’s Hip-Hop scene was dealt a heavy blow with the sudden passing of popular rapper BeatKing, whose real name was Justin Riley, on Thursday at the age of 39. The news was confirmed by his longtime manager, Tasha Fielder, who shared the heartbreaking announcement via Instagram.

Who Was BeatKing?

If you’ve ever set foot in a Hip-Hop club in Houston or Dallas, or simply tuned in to local radio, chances are BeatKing’s tracks were the ones moving the crowd. He was a fixture in Houston’s club scene from the early 2010s, gaining widespread recognition with projects like King of the Club, Club God 3, Gangsta Stripper Music, as well as contributing to Travis Scott’s Astroworld, and viral hits like Twerk It for Vine.

BeatKing burst onto the radio waves and into clubs everywhere with the release of “Crush” in the summer of 2010, a standout track from his 2011 album Kings of the Club. His reputation only grew with subsequent hits, including the 2020 anthem “Then Leave” featuring Queendom Come, and Erica Banks’ 2022 banger “Toot That,” featuring DreamDoll.

Known for his audacious lyrics, bone-rattling basslines, and an uncanny ability to keep the club’s energy at a fever pitch, BeatKing worked with an array of industry heavyweights, such as Ludacris, Juicy J, DJ Chose, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, and Project Pat. His latest album, She Won’t Leave Houston, dropped just last July, adding another chapter to his influential career.

What Happened to BeatKing?

According to an email shared with USA TODAY by Fielder, BeatKing suddenly passed out during a live broadcast at an Urban One (Radio One) station where he was hosting a morning takeover. “He was at the station when he suddenly fainted,” Fielder explained. “He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later passed away. His daughters were by his side throughout the ordeal. It is truly heartbreaking; we loved him so much.” BeatKing’s death was later confirmed to be caused by a pulmonary embolism.

What is a Pulmonary Embolism?

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot, typically originating in the deep veins of the legs—a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—travels through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in one of the arteries in the lungs. This blockage can impede blood flow to parts of the lung, leading to tissue damage and reducing the lung’s ability to supply oxygen to the rest of the body.

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Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can vary but often include:

• Shortness of Breath: A sudden and unexplained difficulty in breathing is a hallmark sign.
• Chest Pain: This pain is usually sharp and may worsen with deep breathing, coughing, or physical exertion.
• Coughing: Sometimes accompanied by blood (hemoptysis).
• Rapid Heart Rate: A faster-than-normal heartbeat or palpitations may occur.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: These symptoms may arise if blood flow to the brain is compromised.

The loss of BeatKing has left a void in the hearts of his fans, family, and the entire Houston Hip-Hop community. His music and legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate for years to come.