Pumpkinhead and Sucio Smash [Photo by: Photo Rob]
As most of you already know, long-time indy rap champion Pumpkinhead passed away this week at only 39 years old, tragically leaving behind his pregnant wife and two kids. I’m not really qualified to speak on the man’s numerous contributions, but Chaz Kangas has put together a fitting tribute to the man for Complex, while some of his friends shared their fondest memories on Facebook:
DJ Eclipse: Some of us spend countless hours, days, months, years and even decades promoting others more so then we do ourselves. PH was one of those guys. Even though he made a name for himself in the battle scene and even made some records, it was his work here in NYC that I’ll remember even more. An integral part of the 90’s indie movement as well as today’s battle scene and a promoter of authentic acts and events, PH cared about the culture of Hip Hop. For him it was about your skills and how to improve on them. He was one of the ones that helped keep the foundation strong for others to go on and build careers.
Marco Polo: I would not be where I’m at without you taking a chance on some unknown Canadian producer. You believed in my talents before anyone else and I will forever be grateful. A great father and soldier to Hip Hop culture. Thank you for your contributions you will be missed.
Sucio Smash: Not only were you a dope MC and artist you were also a Hip Hop ambassador and activist. You brought some talented MCs by the radio show, cats that honestly the world wouldn’t know about if it wasn’t for you. We also worked on many live shows together. You were a part of some of the most memorable cyphers on Squeeze Radio history… Man I’m really trying to do you justice but I don’t think anything I write can even begin to describe how great of a man you are. Other than your talent I’ll miss your energy the most bro. Every time we saw each other no matter where it was we were bound to crack jokes and have a blast.
For my part, I thought I’d stick to what I know best and select my fourteen favorite PH tracks, reflecting both his solo work and his numerous group affiliations. To donate to Pumpkinhead’s widow and children, go here.
Download: A Tribute To Pumpkinhead
Track listing:
01 ‘Do It’ – Will Tell feat. Pumpkinhead
02 ‘Con Artists’ – Brooklyn Academy
03 ‘Dynamic’ – Pumpkinhead
04 ‘Swordfish’ [Remix] – Pumpkinhead feat. Roc Marciano
05 ‘Times Have Changed’ – Brooklyn Academy
06 ‘Park Slope’ – Pumpkinhead
07 ‘2nd Ammendment’ – Pumpkinhead
08 ‘Stupid People’ – Pumpkinhead feat. Jean Grae
09 ‘Blacklisted’ – Pumpkinhead
10 ‘Battering Bars’ – Sean Price feat. Pumpkinhead
11 ‘Sweet Skemes’ – Skeme Team
12 ‘Where’s Brooklyn Ac’ – Block McCloud feat. Pumpkinhead
13 ‘Wack Emcees’ – Pumpkinhead
14 ‘Bang Da Underground’ – DJ JS-1 feat. Torae, Pumpkinhead and Block McCloud
RIP..Heard from a friend that ran into him a month ago that he was working on putting together a “Fat Beats” style reunion show..
A Beautiful Mind was a real good ep. Park Slope is a classic. Still got all my PH 12’s too
Brooklyn Academy was a dope project and the Skeme Team single is a fuckin classic too..Damn I miss the golden years of the underground..NY ain’t the same since Wetlands and FB closed..glad to be a part of the magic and witness shit firsthand. Time flew from the mid 90s till now..another dope, true MC, gone too soon..
He was a great human. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to know him while he was here. He was a staple in the NY scene. Always made you feel like family when you came around. It’s a very hard loss but we will honor his memory. There is a memorial fund if anyone would like to help support his family with this unexpected loss. RIP PH.
Word up! ! donate to his fam before you cop some PH off discogs.
The link to the donation page is in my post.
Thanks, Robbie!
They’re having a get together in his honor at Union Square Park tonight.
Damn I was just at Union Square. .actually picked up another copy of the Soul Purpose joint today with Percee P. Forgot PH was on the flipside.
Sorry for your lose Lex
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Thanks 357. It was a loss to the entire community. I was friends with the man, but he was friends with everyone. A lot of people closer to him have been putting their energy into making sure his family is alright and it’s been somewhat comforting to witness. He’s gonna be missed.