What is Mister Cee's Net Worth?
Mister Cee was a renowned DJ, radio personality, and record executive with a net worth of $500 thousand at the time of his death in 2024. Famous for his radio shows "Throwback at Noon" and "Friday Night Live," he played a crucial role in the New York City hip-hop scene. Mister Cee is credited with discovering and launching the careers of iconic rappers like Big Daddy Kane and the Notorious B.I.G.. An associate executive producer for the Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album "Ready to Die," he also participated in influential hip-hop groups such as the Juice Crew and the Flip Squad. Mister Cee tragically passed away on April 10, 2024, at 57.
Early Life
Born Calvin LeBrun on August 17, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York City, Mister Cee developed a passion for DJing at a young age with guidance from DJ Knight and the Knights of Hollywood. He forged a lasting collaboration with future rapper Big Daddy Kane during high school. After graduating, he worked at several messenger companies, including Airborne Express.
The Juice Crew
During the 1980s, Mister Cee became part of the legendary hip-hop collective the Juice Crew, established by DJs Mr. Magic and Marley Marl. The group featured notable members including Big Daddy Kane, Roxanne Shante, Kool G Rap, Biz Markie, Masta Ace, and MC Shan. Known for producing 'answer records' and engaging in notable beefs, their breakthrough hit "Roxanne's Revenge" attacked UTFO's song "Roxanne, Roxanne." In 1986, most Juice Crew artists joined Cold Chillin' Records, and Mister Cee contributed to Big Daddy Kane's debut album, "Long Live the Kane," in 1988.
Radio Career
In the early 1990s, Mister Cee gained popularity as a radio DJ, celebrated for promoting up-and-coming rappers. In New York City, he hosted "Throwback at Noon" on Hot97 and "Friday Night Live" on WBLS. Mister Cee resigned from Hot97 in 2014 but continued his career with a new show on WXBK. He was notably one of the first DJs to play Fetty Wap's debut single "Trap Queen."
The Notorious B.I.G.
In the early 1990s, Mister Cee discovered Biggie Smalls' demo tape "Microphone Murder." He promoted the tape and got it heard by The Source magazine's editor in 1992. Securing Biggie a record deal with Sean 'Diddy' Combs's label Bad Boy Records, Mister Cee significantly contributed to the rise of the Notorious B.I.G., one of history's most influential rappers. He served as an associate executive producer on Biggie's debut album "Ready to Die" and produced the 1995 mixtape "Best of Biggie Smalls."
(Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
The Flip Squad
In 1998, Mister Cee joined the Flip Squad, a group initially founded by producers Big Kap and Bootleg, which expanded to include hip-hop DJs such as Funkmaster Flex, Biz Markie, Frankie Cutlass, Mark Ronson, and DJ Enuff. The Flip Squad released their album "The Flip Squad All-Star DJs" through MCA Records in late 1998.
Other Endeavors
Outside of music, Mister Cee contributed to developing a new flavor for the Tropical Fantasy soft-drink brand called Island Punch Finisher.
Sexuality
In 2013, Mister Cee sparked discussions about his sexuality after being arrested multiple times for soliciting trans female prostitutes. Facing controversy within the historically homophobic hip-hop community, he resigned from Hot97 in 2014. Despite this, several prominent hip-hop figures, including Questlove, supported him.
Death
Mister Cee passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 57. The details surrounding his death were not immediately disclosed.
