Kool G Rap has paid tribute to his collaborator DJ Polo, who recently passed away at the age of 63.
Kool G reflected on his relationship with his late friend in an essay: Rolling Stone It was released on Thursday (August 8th).
In this feature, the former Juice Crew rapper fondly reminisced about his collaborator. As Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, they released three studio albums together: 1989's The road to wealth 1990s Wanted: Dead or alive. And a compilation.
“I looked up to him because he was that guy on the fringe,” Kool G explained. “He wasn't known as the craziest DJ of all time, but he was still Polo. Everybody knew the name. But after Polo came DJ Smalls, Disco Twins, [and] There were many other names, because he was connected with them all.”
The “Fast Life” rapper continued, “I looked up to Polo at the time because he was making a name for himself in hip-hop and had the ability to put records out fast. To this day, I'm honored that my career came to fruition through Eric B, then Polo, then Marley Marl and Juice Crew.”
“Polo was my true friend. He was my brother. I loved him. And the monumental thing he accomplished was beyond putting himself out there. [is bringing] Kool G Rap to everyone. Thanks to Polo, it happened. [He was] “He's one of the most down to earth, down to earth, humble and fun guys out there. And I know a lot of people who know him personally feel the same way, and I'm sure they would agree.”
The legendary DJ passed away in the early hours of July 27th, but the cause of death has not been revealed.
One of the first to publicly mourn Polo was DJ Chuck Chillout, who posted a simple tribute to his late friend and colleague on Instagram and Facebook alongside a photo of him with the caption, “So heartbreaking. Rest in peace DJ Polo.”
Others soon began paying tribute, with Ice-T and Eric B writing, “My brother DJ POLO we had great times. We will never forget you. God bless you,” alongside a photo of the late DJ.
Eric B.'s post received comments from people like E-40, DJ Green Lantern, DJ Scratch, Buckwild from DITC, DJ Spinderella and Pete Rock, with Pete Rock writing, “Dude, slow down, Jesus Christ, until you can breathe.”
Fellow Juice Crew member Big Daddy Kane also paid tribute, writing, “He's gone but we'll never forget him, Caz!!! Juice Crew for life!”