Iconic Hip-Hop Producer DJ Mark the 45 King Dies at 62

Notable for his work with artists like Jay-Z, Eminem, and Queen Latifah, James' innovative beats, including the legendary 'The 900 Number', left an enduring imprint on the hip-hop genre.

Iconic hip-hop producer DJ Mark the 45 King, whose real name was Mark Howard James, has died at 62; the cause of death was not disclosed.
Born in the Bronx and establishing his career in New Jersey, James gained fame for creating legendary beats such as 'The 900 Number,' which has frequently been re-sampled by other artists.
Mark the 45 King collaborated with major hip-hop artists throughout his career, producing famous tracks for Jay-Z, Eminem, and Queen Latifah amongst others.
According to DJ Premier, James played a significant role in the formation of the Flavor Unit, a crew of rappers that included Queen Latifah, Chill Rob G, Lakim Shabazz, and Apache.
Despite struggles with drug addiction during the early 90s, James retained a notable presence in the hip-hop industry, contributing to the genre with a unique sound and signature heavy beats until his death.