DJ Polo of Iconic Duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo Dies, Hip-Hop Legends Pay Tribute
DJ Polo, one-half of the legendary 80s duo Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, reportedly passed away early Saturday morning (July 27). The hip-hop community took to social media to mourn the loss of this iconic DJ. The cause of death remains unknown.
Hip-hop legends, including Eric B and DJ Chuck Chillout, paid tribute to the late DJ and acknowledged his significant impact on the genre. Eric B shared a heartfelt message with a post of Polo, stating, “My brother DJ POLO we had some great times you will never be forgotten GODS speed.” DJ Chuck Chillout also expressed his sorrow, captioning his post, “This Hurt real Bad RIP To DJ POLO.”
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Eric B’s tribute attracted comments from notable figures such as E-40, DJ Green Lantern, DJ Scratch, DITC’s Buckwild, and DJ Spinderella. DJ Chuck Chillout’s post was acknowledged by comedian Bill Bellamy, the legendary music video platform Video Music Box, and Maestro Fresh Wes.
Thomas Pough, known as DJ Polo, began his historic career with Kool G Rap in 1986. The duo was part of Marley Marl’s legendary posse, The Juice Crew. They released their debut album, “Road To The Riches,” in 1989 under Cold Chillin’ Records. This album is credited with pioneering the mafioso style that many rappers adopted in later years.
Kool G Rap and DJ Polo parted ways in 1993 after creating a legendary catalog, including the albums “Wanted: Dead or Alive” (1990) and “Rated XXX” (1996). After their split, Polo released his solo album, “Polo’s Playhouse,” in 1998. In 2020, Eminem gave a shoutout to Kool G Rap and DJ Polo in his album “Music To Be Murdered By” on the track “Yah Yah.”
DJ Polo is survived by his two children. As of now, Kool G Rap has not responded to Polo’s passing.
