Traxamillion, the San Jose hip-hop producer known for his contributions to the hyphy movement, has died at age 42, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The Bay Area online blog Thizzler on the Roof posted a tribute to the producer on January 2, tweeting, “This is a huge loss for Northern California 💔 We send our condolences to his family & loved ones.” In addition, Traxamillion’s record label Empire wrote, “We lost a true Bay Area cornerstone to cancer today. Rest in Power to Traxamillion, the architect of the Hyphy sound and a legendary producer to the fullest.”
The hyphy movement and genre emerged in Oakland in the late 1990s, and was often characterized by its gritty, frenetic rhythms. Traxamillion, who was born Sultan Banks, got his start in the early 2000s, producing cuts by Ace High, B.A., and the Pack. In 2006, he linked up with local MC Keak da Sneak for “Super Hyphy,” a beloved song within the genre.
Also in 2006, Traxamillion issued his most influential work, The Slapp Addict compilation, which included songs with Mistah F.A.B. and Too $hort, Smitty Grands, Keak da Sneak, Zion I, and more. He’s since worked with DJ Shadow, E-40, City Girls, and many others.
Artists have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late producer, including DJ Fresh, Jubilee, and P-Lo. “RIP TRAXAMILLION,” tweeted Metro Boomin. “The legends are always the ones who bring something to the game that shifts it.”