We all know that being famous doesn’t guarantee a prolonged and healthy life. Unfortunately, when it comes to entertainers, particularly Black males, it has been disheartening to witness the passing of so many incredibly talented artists who have not lived much beyond the age of 50 due to illness.
Last month, the music industry was stunned by the sudden passing of 56-year-old radio personality, rapper (and the best hype man in hip hop, full stop) Isaac Freeman III, better known as Fatman Scoop. He died after collapsing on stage during a performance in Connecticut.
In July, Bronx-born lyricist Derek Keith Barbosa, better known as Chino XL and Thomas “DJ Polo” Poug, one-half of the iconic 80s duo Kool G Rap and DJ Polo, both passed away at the ages of 50 and 63, respectively, from undisclosed illnesses.
Another soldier lost too soon. Chino XL Thank you for being an inspiration to the art of Emceeing. Thank you for always showing love whenever we are both present. I will miss our fatherhood talks🙌🏾 You will be missed. #RIPChinoXL #ChinoXL #DerekKeithBarbosa pic.twitter.com/E0OHIzhpys
— WILDCHILD(JACK) (@jdawildchild) July 30, 2024
Calvin LeBrun, best known as DJ Mister Cee, a highly respected member of the hip-hop community and revered as one of the best record spinners in the game, sadly passed away at the age of 57 on April 10. It was revealed that he had been battling diabetes-related coronary artery and kidney disease.
On April 13, we lost Rico Wade, an immensely talented producer from Organized Noize. Rico, along with his production trio, played a significant role in launching the Southern hip hop movement in the 1990s. It was announced that he died from heart failure; Wade had just celebrated his 52nd birthday in February.
2 Live Crew’s cofounder, Brother Marquis – he facilitated putting the Florida rap scene on the map with a string of gold albums and wildly popular hit singles – died on June 3rd from a major heart attack. He was 58 years old.
On August 15, Houston rapper Beatking, popular for his unique sound and club-ready tracks, fainted during a radio show, where he was rushed to the hospital and, sadly, didn’t make it. He passed away due to a pulmonary embolism at only 39 years old.
Remembering Dave aka Trugoy the Dove of @WeAreDeLaSoul today on his birthday🎈🕊️
— Okayplayer (@okayplayer) September 21, 2024
Plug Two, always did everything from the soul! 🔌🔌 pic.twitter.com/9q9bFoqijD
54-year-old Trugoy the Dove of De La Soul, known for their playful wordplay, witty skits and innovative sampling (the group’s 1989 debut album 3 Feet High and Rising has been called “a hip hop masterpiece”), passed away in February 2023 after a battle with congestive heart failure.
Melvin “Magoo” Barcliff, best known for his incomparable contributions to hip hop as one-half of Timbaland and Magoo (their partnership was a major influence across many genres of Black music, having worked with powerhouses like Missy Elliot and Aaliyah), was just 50 years old when he died in August of last year of a heart attack.
Arnez Blount, also known as C-Knight, a member of the Long Beach group Dove Shack, passed away at the age of 52 on November 7, 2023. He had suffered a stroke while receiving dialysis for his diabetes and then went into cardiac arrest. He was resuscitated and put on life support, but unfortunately, couldn’t pull through. Knight was best known for his smooth lyrical flow which manifested on the song This Is the Shack with g-funk titan Warren G on the classic album Regulate.
RIP C-Knight, a West Coast legend! Helped make some of my favorite songs of all time https://t.co/ggkGtZSzhs
— BEWARE 4th Street (@BEWARE4) November 8, 2023
Milton “Big Pokey” Powell – an original member of Houston’s legendary Screwed Up Click – he was considered Houston’s freestyle king by his contemporaries – was pronounced dead in a Texas hospital on June 18, 2023, after he collapsed from a massive heart attack while performing at a show celebrating the Juneteenth national holiday. He was 48.
William Perry Jr., also known as DJ Casper or Mr. C the Slide Man, passed away on August 7, 2023, at the age of 58 after a courageous battle with kidney and liver cancer. His legacy will always live on through his iconic single, Casper Slide Pt.1, better known as the timeless party anthem, the “Cha Cha Slide.”
RIP to DJ Casper, the creator of the Cha Cha Slide 🙏🏾 He passed away at 58 after a battle with cancer 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/GMiVEnwLhe
— 247 Live Culture (@247LC) August 8, 2023
Creatives and fans alike can’t help but take notice of the alarming trend of their peers and favorite artists dying at a young age. It isn’t just a coincidence – the health challenges faced by Black men in the hip-hop community reflect the broader health disparities experienced by Black men nationwide.
According to the National Institute of Health, Black males continue to face significantly worse health outcomes compared to other racial groups. They have a lower life expectancy than Black women, white men, and white women. Despite improvements in overall life expectancy for all groups over the past century, Black men still lag behind. It’s a concerning reality that we can no longer ignore, and thankfully, the medical industry is doing something about it.
National Healthy Aging Month is here. It is a month-long observance in September that reminds us of the importance of focusing on our physical and mental well-being as we age. As reported by the Mayo Clinic, Black men face a higher risk of developing certain chronic health conditions like prostate cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. But, the good news is doctors say that most of these health challenges can be treated successfully if detected and monitored early.
One of the best things we can do for the guys we care about is remind them to schedule regular screenings and health exams as they grow older.
Ahead, are some of the most important tests that Black men should prioritize for their health, according to doctors. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
Yearly Physical Exams
An annual physical exam plays a vital role in assessing your body’s overall functionality. It allows you and your doctor to identify any potential issues early on and set you up with the necessary follow-up examinations with a specialist if necessary.
The screening also provides an opportunity to discuss your mental health concerns with a healthcare provider who can guide you toward the appropriate resources for support.
Blood Pressure Exam
Sometimes referred to as the “silent killer,” hypertension is a prevalent but extremely hazardous condition that many adults in the United States unknowingly have. It can lead to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and an irregular heartbeat while also increasing the risk of serious conditions like heart and kidney failure.
To keep track of your blood pressure measurements, it is recommended to undergo an annual blood pressure exam, but doctors also recommend that Black or overweight patients should go for more frequent check-ups. Additionally, you can do quick checks in between visits using machines commonly found at grocery stores or pharmacies.
Diabetes Testing
According to the American Diabetes Association, Black adults are 60% more likely than white adults to be diagnosed with diabetes. The chronic disease can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys and blood vessels, and it also increases the risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
Doctors say that one way to monitor your risk of developing diabetes is by scheduling regular blood tests, like an A1C test, every three years. Assessments like this can give you an idea of your average blood sugar levels over the past few months.
Cholesterol Levels Test
As we age, our cholesterol levels rise naturally, but excessive measures can have detrimental effects on our health. It is estimated that approximately 70 million Americans suffer from high cholesterol, which can lead to life-threatening emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes and the development of clogged arteries.
If you have a family history of high cholesterol, it is definitely a good idea to have a chat with your doctor, who can recommend and prescribe options that will effectively manage it. You can conveniently monitor your cholesterol levels by using at-home testing kits as well.
Colorectal and Colon Cancer Screening
While colon cancer primarily affects individuals over the age of 50, the disease can remain undetectable for extended periods without displaying any symptoms. Although constipation, persistent abdominal cramps, and unexplained weight loss may serve as possible indicators, it is unsettling that a significant number of individuals do not exhibit any symptoms at all.
It is crucial to prioritize a colon cancer screening with your healthcare provider because it can effectively identify any potential signs of cancer at an early stage, giving you a better chance at successful treatment options.
Prostate Cancer Exam
While testosterone is a natural and vital hormone in the body, it can lead to the accelerated growth of cancer cells in the prostate. Prostate cancer is a prevalent global health issue, affecting approximately one in seven men throughout their lifetime.
To ensure that potential signs of cancer are not mistaken for other conditions, doctors advise individuals aged 55 and above to schedule a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test. By discussing your concerns with your doctor, you can develop a personalized screening plan that aligns with your comfort level.
