In sad news, producer Chucky Thompson has died aged 53.
The creative (born Carl E. Thompson) rose to prominence as part of Diddy’s Hitmen production ensemble, which was stationed in-house at the iconic Bad Boy Records.
Thompson was renowned and revered for his work on projects from the likes Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Notorious B.I.G, Ne-Yo, and Fantasia.
His cause of death hasn’t been formally announced, but reports claim he succumbed to COVID-19.
With an impact that had great length and depth, there has been an outpouring of emotion from Thompson’s collaborators and contemporaries.
Full story below…
Taking to social media, Diddy said:
“I’ve been in shock most of the day. Chucky Thompson was not just someone that I made Mary J Blige’s My Life with and a part of the legendary Hitmen, he was also one of the greatest humans that I’ve ever met. He always kept you laughing, always kept you smiling and he always let you know that he loved you. I love you Chucky. One of the greatest of all time. You will be truly missed. 💔 Love, Puff”
Mary J. Blige wrote:
Damn! I just spoke to this man last month! We were discussing our plans to work together again. Chucky and I was and will always be a musical match made in heaven. He knew everything I was feeling personally and when we worked on the “My Life” and “Mary” albums. He was an angel sent to help me weather my storm. Now my brother and my friend returned to where all angels and beautiful people like him come from. RIP to one of the best who’s ever done it. This is soooo sad. Too many people leaving too soon🥲🥲🥲🥲💔💔💔💔🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Ledisi also poured out her feelings, writing:
“Sigh….. Chucky Thompson @chucklife365 was one of my producers on “Turn Me Loose. ” He encouraged me to try new things musically and be more active in the @recordingacademy I’m going to miss you man! All I can think about is your family right now. Everyone please pray for them. Our music community lost another GIANT … another TRAILBLAZER. His legacy lives on….still this hurts. Please please be as safe as you possibly can out here.”
Tank added:
“I studied this man and I was eventually blessed to work with this man! A hometown hero and a legend to all who really do this! I thank God for your time here and pray to have your kind of impact on the universe..💙 #RIP #ChuckyThompson“
Others from the R&B & Hip-Hop community also expressed their grief:
This Chucky Thompson news hurt …
— Wale (@Wale) August 9, 2021
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Our thoughts are with Chucky’s loved ones.
Zero comment???? Y’all people are cold hearted mofos 💅🏿Anyways, I don’t know him but Rest In Peace
So sad! I loved the work he did with Faith and Mary… he helped both ladies find and craft their sounds, and polish their songwriting skills. He was a talent! I hope he rests well. May his loved ones find peace.