Texas Rapper BeatKing, Known for Viral Hit “Then Leave,” Dead at 39 Years Old

While his real name was Justin Riley, the Texas rapper often went by names like BeatKing and ClubGodzilla as he released hit songs like “Then Leave.” Besides being a rapper, BeatKing also focused on the production side of the music industry. Although continuing to expand his career in music, the rapper’s manager recently announced that BeatKing passed away at just 39 years old, leaving behind two daughters. 

Not sharing too many details surrounding BeatKing’s passing, his manager Tasha Felder shared the news on Instagram, writing, “Today, August 15, 2024 we have lost @Clubgodzilla. BeatKing has been the best part of the club for over a decade. He has produced and worked with so many artists, that his sound will forever live. He loved his daughters @clubgodparenting, his music and his fans. We will love him forever.”

Throughout his career, BeatKing worked with stars like 2Chainz, Ludacris, and even Juicy J. Producing songs like “SDAB” and “Outside”, the rapper gained a mountain of praise from fans of the genre. And with his passing, not just fans, but celebrities like Bun B took a moment to remember ClubGodzilla. “It’s always the good ones. Damn this s*** hurt. Just a great spirited person. We lost a talented artist and father.” Also sharing their love for BeatKing, Three 6 Mafia commented, writing, “RIP MANE!!! Great Brother!!!” 

BeatKing Discussed Adding Humor Into His Life And Art

Outside of his musical style, many knew BeatKing for his unique fashion sense. Always wearing a shirt with some slogan, the rapper explained his reasoning, “When you’re new in the game and you’re trying to get a song hot, and you’re in clubs every night, you’re gonna run out of clothes!” He continued, “You’re gonna be buying clothes every week! That kind of just stuck with me. That’s kind of my image now. I’ve never been a jewelry guy, I just wear these shirts.”

Besides wearing humorous shirts, BeatKing also loved to place some humor in his lyrics. He admitted, “’I don’t try to do it. I think it’s just my personality. I hate being depressed. Even when depressing things happen in my life, I hate that feeling. So even when I try to talk about some real stuff, I try to bring life to it. Kind of like what a comedian does on a stage. Real life things are funny too.”

(BEAT KING, 2020)