DJ Polo, hip-hop DJ with Kool G Rap and Juice Crew, dies aged 63

DJ Polo, best known as one half of the influential hip-hop duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, has died. 

News that the turntablist born Thomas Pough had passed away on Saturday 27th July was confirmed by his family on social media over the weekend. Although no cause of death has been disclosed at the time of writing, New York City radio station Hot 97 reported that he had been battling with an “extended illness”. He was 63

“It is with a heavy heart we mourn the loss of my father, the incredible DJ Polo,” the social media statement read. “He was not only a legend to the hip hop community but also to his family and we celebrate his life and legacy now and forever.”

Kool G Rap and DJ Polo – both members of the New York hip-hop collective Juice Crew – released their debut album, ‘Road To The Riches’ in 1989, followed by ‘Wanted: Dead Or Alive’ in 1990 and ‘Live And Let Die’ in 1992. Polo released his debut solo album ‘Polo’s Playhouse’ in 1998.

Following the news of his passing, tributes have been paid by numerous key figures in the hip-hop community to an artist who was pivotal to the development of the sound.

Paying respects to his friend and collaborator, Kool G Rap 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.”

Read more tributes, and listen to ‘Road To Riches’ below.