How Did Big Kap Die? Legendary DJ Dead At Age 45

The hip-hop world lost a legend Wednesday morning when DJ Big Kap died at 45. The He worked with the Notorious B.I.G. and was a part of one of the most influential rap albums, "The Tunnel."

Big Kap's road manager, Ab Traxx, told Billboard that the DJ died of a heart attack Wednesday morning. Ab Traxx also said Kap had been working on promoting the artists on his Burn Unit crew and building up Highly Unique Radio, the Atlanta-based radio station he had just become a part of. The road manager had last spoken to Big Kap Tuesday night and said he had no knowledge of the DJ's having any health issues other than diabetes.

"He had diabetes, but I don't think it had anything to do with [his death]," Ab Traxx said.

Several artists posted tributes to Big Kap Wednesday morning on Twitter and Instagram. He had been an inspiration to many, and they were sad to hear the news of his passing. You can see some of the posts below.

Big Kap made a name for himself in the New York rap scene. In December 1999, Funkmaster Flex and Big Kap dropped the popular album "The Tunnel." The record featured several famous rappers, including Tupac Shakur, the Notorious B.I.G., Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige and more. The compilation album went on reach No. 3 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

According to Pitchfork, Big Kap's real name was Keith Carter. Big Kap first came up in the 90s with Funkmaster Flex while DJing the New York nightclub the Tunnel. He was also a part of the Flip Squad, with Flex, Mister Cee, Cipha Sounds, DJ Enuff, Mark Ronson and many others. He was also referred to as "the Warden."