Columbus-born rapper Camu Tao dies at age 30
By Marshall Pearson, Staff Writer
June 3, 2008 | noon
Both the national and the Ohio-based hip-hop communities suffered a loss May 25, 2008, with the passing of prolific Columbus-born rapper and producer Camu Tao, just 12 days shy of his 31st birthday. The rapper died in a Columbus hospital after a two-year battle with lung cancer.
Camu Tao was born as Tero Smith on June 6, 1977. He rose to fame as part of Columbus’ MHz crew, which consisted of producers DJ Przm and RJD2, as well as fellow emcees Copywrite and Jakki the Mota Mouth. The group released two 12” singles, Wold Premiere/Camu and Rocket Science/Magnetics/Absolutely Posolutely, on seminal independent hip-hop label Fondle ‘Em Records in 1998. The label, along with Rawkus and Stones Throw Records, would help start the rise of viable independent hip-hop in the late 1990s. Camu Tao was on the cusp of the movement.
Camu Tao would go on to join many side projects with other underground emcees and producers. According to a HipHopDX.com article, the rapper was half of the renowned duo SA Smash with rapper Metro and part of the formidable Weathermen crew, in addition to forming the Central Services production team with Definite Jux record label founder El-P. Camu Tao later produced rapper Cage’s well-received album, titled Hell’s Winter, and appeared on Aesop Rock’s Fast Cars, Danger, Fire & Knives EP.
Camu Tao also appeared on former colleague DJ Przm’s song “Hold the Floor” and collaborated with many other artists, including Prefuse 73 and Evidence. Despite never releasing an actual solo album, Camu Tao was highly active and respected by many hip-hop musicians and fans.
His death was first announced by fellow member of the Weathermen crew and good friend, Aesop Rock, whose real name is Ian Bavitz, during an Aesop Rock performance in Minneapolis. The rapper confessed to the audience that Camu Tao had passed away after nearly two years of fighting lung cancer. On the same day, Bavitz elaborated on his friend’s state of health prior to his death.
“He was diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago, and had been going through repeated chemo treatments while remaining out of the public eye,” Bavitz said on his blog.
Definitive Jux, Camu Tao’s current record label, has not issued any official statement regarding his passing, but the founder of the label, Camu Tao’s good friend and hip-hop producer El-P appears deeply saddened by the tragedy.
“He was an almost uncategorizable force of nature,” El-P said in a personal statement on the label’s Web site. “Wild, hilarious, proud, loving, tough…he wore his heart on his sleeve and dripped creativity, leaving inspiration in the hearts and minds of anyone who was fortunate enough to see him work.”
Ohio University hip-hop enthusiasts are also distressed by the death of such an influential artist. Sophomore Randy Brosse had seen Camu Tao perform live almost two years ago and has been an admirer ever since.
“I saw him live with Mr. Lif right before I came to college and I thought his mixture of singing and rapping was really great,” Brosse said “It’s just real tragic to see another fallen soldier.”
Sophomore Michael Berens expressed sadness as well, citing what he feels as another tragic element of Camu Tao’s death.
“It’s just sad that he didn’t actually get to release his solo album before he died, and he was a part of so many other great groups,” Berens said.
It is apparent that the death of such a notable hip-hop artist has affected the community as a whole. Creativity and enthusiasm for music are uncommon among American hip-hop artists, and Camu Tao was said to have possessed both characteristics. He was a prolific member of the underground hip-hop world.
“We…have truly had our hearts broken by his passing,” El-P said. “Not only because of the loss of our friend, but because of the loss of his contribution to those who never knew what we knew about his talent and his potential…he was a gift to us all and he is irreplaceable.”
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