Influential hip-hop and LA beat scene producer Ras G dies, aged 39
Co-founder of Brainfeeder collective remembered
One of hip-hop’s most influential producers, Ras G, has passed away at the age of 39, it has been confirmed.
Born Gregory Shorter Jr. and hailing from Los Angeles, California, Ras G was one of the founder members of the Brainfeeder collective alongside Flying Lotus and was also involved with Leaving Records, Poo-Bah Records and Ramp Recordings.
Though the cause of death has been unconfirmed, Ras had recently been suffering from ill-health, announcing on Instagram, late last year, that he’d been hospitalised with “pneumonia, borderline high blood pressure, diabetes, hypothyroidism and heart failure”.
His brother, Bryan Shorter, has set up a Gofundme page in Gregory’s honour to help the family with the costs of keeping his legacy alive.
Ras_G has left the planet, far beyond the galaxy.Show us the way to the cosmos my friend. I will love you forever.Thank you for your time on earth.Ohhhhhhrassssssssss*airhorn*July 29, 2019
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to one of our brothers, Gregory Shorter, aka RAS G. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, & fans worldwide. One of the founders of BRAINFEEDER & LA Beat Scene. Rest In Peace G. We love you. (Ohhh Rass! • Airhornn!) pic.twitter.com/1pd8wX6FyiJuly 29, 2019
Due to the sudden loss of our long time employee and friend Ras G we will be closed for business today. Roll one up for G today. pic.twitter.com/oMkoi7fyQGJuly 29, 2019
Wishing Ras_G a peaceful voyage to the ultimate Space Base in the cosmos. Ras was one of the most prolific and influential producers of the LA beat scene and showed us what true artistry and authenticity really is. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fans. pic.twitter.com/1hJsKNUtLsJuly 29, 2019
Take a moment out of your evening and say thank you to your version of a higher power for the energy that is was and will always be known as Ras G...July 31, 2019
just seen news about Ras G, so incredibly sad, was a true visionary in his own world n a weirdo in the greatest possible sense, grateful for the times I did get to spend w him. RIPJuly 29, 2019
Ras G was a legend. One of the realest to ever do it in this city, planet & every other galaxy he inhabited. May he find peace amongst the far-out moons that birthed him, may he become part of the cosmic dust. I guess extraterrestrials need beats too. RIP to one of the greats 💔July 29, 2019
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I take care of the reviews on MusicRadar and Future Music magazine, though can sometimes be spotted in front of a camera talking little sense in the presence of real musicians. For the past 30 years, I have been unable to decide on which instrument to master, so haven't bothered. Currently, a lover of all things high-gain in the guitar stakes and never one to resist churning out sub-standard funky breaks, the likes of which you'll never hear.