For those who don't know who Camu Tao was, I'm sure there are others who can give you a more in-depth account of the man who lost his life today. Camu is best known for his musical releases on Def Jux, most recently with his man Metro as S.A. Smash, and his abundance of production work. Camu produced and performed the hook on "Paty Hard", a song off my 2005 Black Dialogue album with the Perceptionists.

I had the honor of being on the road with Camu in '05 during the Def Jux Presents Vol. 2 tour, and immediately got along with dude. He was just such a genuinely good guy. Always had everyone crackin' up and in good spirits. He was a strong brother, both physically and spiritually, and his talents were far too underrated. As a producer, emcee, and songwriter, Camu Tao held it down officially. On tour, he also became my arch nemesis on the video game shit, which lends to hours of bonding. Camu was a special person, and his family, the Jux Crew, and hip-hop have lost someone that is truly irreplaceable. He told me he looked up to me; now I hope he will be looking down on me. I intend to make him proud, and I'm sure that the rest of his friends and colleagues in this rap shit feel the same.

I never got to see Camu as much as I would have liked to; I just wish I could have seen him once more though, even if just for one more round of NBA Live and listenin' to beats.

Anyone with memories or recollections about Camu is more than welcome to share here, and please, think of his friends. Cats like my man Lif, El-P, Aesop Rock, Keith Metro, and the whole Jux family have lost a brother. So, please shout them out and let them know that they are not the only ones who will miss Camu, and that they are all in our thoughts and prayers.

This is a devastating day in hip-hop. Camu may have not been a world famous superstar yet, but he was well on his way to getting the recognition he deserved.

YOU WILL BE MISSED, MU! WE LOVE YOU!