Beloved Los Angeles producer Ras G has died.
The beatmaker and producer who co-founded Flying Lotus’ label, Brainfeeder, was confirmed dead by the label via Instagram.
Underneath the post, the label wrote:
“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to one of our brothers, Gregory Shorter, otherwise know as RAS G. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world. One of the founding members of Brainfeeder and one of the most important figures in the Los Angeles Beat Scene. Rest In Peace G. We love you. (Ohhh Rass!!!) (Airhornnnnn!!!)”
Watch Ras G’s ‘In The Studio’ with FACT Magazine below:
Gregory Shorter, Jr. was diagnosed with pneumonia, diabetes, hypothyroid and heart failure in late December last year.
On December 29th, the producer took to Instagram to announce that he was “breathing and feeling better than ever” after calling an ambulance on December 17th.
Shorter referred to his studio as the “Spacebase”, which adhered to his philosophy of “ghetto sci-fi”, heavily influenced by musical legend Sun Ra.
Ras G is credited for bringing Afrofuturism to the LA beat scene. He released an album this year titled Down 2 Earth Vol. 4 which showcases his unique approach to beat-making and producing that is inimitable.
Musicians and fans alike have already taken to Twitter to memorialise and pay tribute to the late producer.
Ras_G has left the planet, far beyond the galaxy.
Show us the way to the cosmos my friend.
I will love you forever.
Thank you for your time on earth.Ohhhhhhrassssssssss
*airhorn*— FLYLO (@flyinglotus) July 29, 2019
Flying Lotus was a long-time collaborator and friend to Ras G, with the two of them working together to found the label Brainfeeder.
Today we lost a legend, a musician, a sage, a scholar, a king,…but most of all, we lost a brother. Rest In Peace to the one & only @Ras_G. Thank you for blessing us. Keep smashing those Beats throughout the cosmos. We love you Ras. “OooohhhRasssss!” pic.twitter.com/zCEcQw1ENO
— rhettmatic (@rhettmatic) July 29, 2019
It is with sadness and regret to have learned of the passing of Ras G. One of the most prolific and influential producers in the hip-hop scene, his vision and perspective on music was truly unique. pic.twitter.com/Elp8f1Ieww
— Roland (@RolandGlobal) July 29, 2019
It is clear that we have lost one of hip-hop’s most creative visionaries, who worked behind the scenes to create influential and visionary music.
Ras G currently has multiple projects spanning across almost a decade of work, available to listen to on all streaming services now.
Check out Ras G’s ‘Wreka Sto…’, an excellent example of his incredible musicianship, below:
