Longtime New York City hip-hop DJ, mixer, and producer “Mister Cee” (Calvin LeBrun) has passed away. He was 57.
LeBrun worked at rhythmic CHR “Hot 97” WQHT for decades, hosting the popular “Throwback at Noon” and “Friday Night Live” programs. He most recently hosted the noon feature on Audacy classic hip-hop “94.7 The Block” WXBK. As a DJ and producer, LeBrun worked with hip-hop stars Big Daddy Kane and the Notorious B.I.G.
“As a family at Hot 97 and WBLS, we’re deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Mister Cee,” a post on the WQHT website read. “Mr. Cee’s influence stretched far beyond the airwaves, shaping the very fabric of NYC’s DJ culture. Our hearts are heavy as we send our love and condolences to his family and the fans whose lives he touched through his music. Rest easy, Mr. Cee. Your legacy will live forever.”
LeBrun made a name for himself as “Mister Cee,” one of NYC’s most prominent DJs, serving as the official DJ for Big Daddy, discovering The Notorious B.I.G., “and being a part of the foundation that shaped Hot 97 to be what it is today,” the station’s online tribute continued.
Also known as “The Finisher,” LeBrun and Kane were high school friends who entered the hip-hop community together with LeBrun serving as the DJ for Kane’s 1988 debut “Long Live The Kane.” He also was executive producer for the Notorious B.I.G.’s 1994 debut “Ready To Die.” All three grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn.
During his 21 years at “Hot 97,” LeBrun helped launch the careers of Jay Z, 50 Cent, and Alicia Keys, among others. He exited the station in 2014. He recently had been hosting a show for SiriusXM’s Rock The Bells Radio and the “Throwback at Noon” show on “94.7 The Block.”
“Sometimes you’re only here for what seems like a short time. But when you make the most of it, life is truly something out of this world!” WXBK Brand Manager Skip Dillard posted on LinkedIn. “#DJMisterCee did just that. He has passed away, but leaves a legacy none of us privileged to have worked with him will EVER forget. Rest in peace my friend. We’ll be there for your family and millions of fans.”