It has been reported that DJ Polo, DJ and one-half of the legendary 80s duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, died early Saturday morning (July 27). His family confirmed the cause of death was due to extended illness. He was 63.
Hip Hop mourned the legend on social media. Legends such as Eric B, DJ Chuck Chillout, and more paid tribute to the late DJ and his impact. “My brother DJ POLO. We had some great times you will never be forgotten GODS speed,” captioned Eric B with a post of Polo.
“This Hurt real Bad RIP To DJ POLO,” captioned DJ Chuck Chillout.
Eric B’s tribute received comments from E-40, DJ Green Lantern, DJ Scratch, DITC’s Buckwild, and DJ Spinderella. Chillout’s post received acknowledgment from comedian Bill Bellamy, legendary music video platform Video Music Box, and Maestro Fresh Wes.
Ice-T acknowledged Polo’s passing on Sunday, tweeting, “I lost another friend yesterday.. DJ Polo… DJ for legendary @TheRealKoolGRap [prayer hands emoji] Life is precious.”
Polo, real name Thomas Pough, began his historic career with Kool G Rap in 1986. It was highlighted that the duo was part of Marley Mal’s legendary posse, The Juice Crew. Polo and Kool G Rap released their debut album, Road To The Riches, in 1989 on the legendary Cold Chillin’ Records. Many of hip-hop’s biggest names credit the album as the pioneer of the mafioso style many rappers took on in later years.
Kool G Rap and DJ Polo split in 1993 after creating a legendary catalog that includes 1990’s Wanted: Dead or Alive and Rated XXX (1996). After the split, Polo released his solo album, Polo’s Playhouse, in 1998. In 2020, Eminem shoutout Kool G Rap and DJ Polo in his album, Music To Be Murdered By, on the track “Yah Yah.”
Kool G Rap paid tribute to Polo in an Instagram post on Sunday, he wrote, “R.I.P. to a dear friend and a Brother from another Household. He is a Legend to Hip Hop and Juice Crew history. DJ Polo! May Light from the Highest be upon him.”
DJ Polo is survived by his 10 children, significant other, mother, four sisters, and nieces and nephews.