Music producer Sidney “Omen” Brown — who collaborated with superstar artists such as Ludacris, Drake and Beyoncé — was found dead in his New York City apartment, leaving loved ones stunned by the hitmaker’s sudden passing, officials said Tuesday.
The 49-year-old Brown’s “cause and manner of death are pending further study,” according to a statement by the city’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
Brown, who was usually known by the moniker “Omen,” missed his gig as a DJ at Barawine Harlem, prompting family members to go to his East Harlem apartment on Saturday. It was there where they made the sad discovery, sister Nicole Iris Brown, 43, told NBC News.
“He was holistic and healthy. So we don’t know of him being sick, so this is all pretty sudden,” his sister said.
Loved ones hope fans will remember Omen for his love of music and enthusiasm for working with artists breaking into the business.
“I hope people will remember that he was willing to help the younger generation,” Nicole Brown said. “He was always big on helping younger people start their careers and get themselves into the game,” she said.
“It was about just the music, no matter who the artist was.”
Ludacris’ “Released Therapy” was released in 2006 and went on to win the Grammy for best rap album. Omen was credited as a producer on the song “Tell It Like It Is.”
He produced Drake’s “Shut It Down,” a track on the Canadian artist’s 2010 debut album “Thank Me Later.”
Brown had producer, programmer, lyricist and composer credits for Beyonce’s critically acclaimed 2013 tune “Mine.”
“It is with great shock and deep sadness we have heard about the passing of our dear friend Omen Sidney Brown,” Barawine Harlem said in statement. “Omen was a part of Barawine’s team for over a decade bringing his unique talent to all.”
Nicole Brown called her brother her “movie buddy” and was open to watching almost any big or small screen art with her.
The producer’s sister could only imagine how delighted Omen would’ve been when “Severance” won eight Emmys on Sunday night.
“That was my movie buddy,” she said. “I know he would have been so happy when the guy won for ‘Severance.’ We love Milchick (the character played by best dramatic supporting actor winner Tramell Tillman). We’d watch that all the time and chat about it.”
