Mister Cee

LeBrun was born on August 17, 1966,{{cite web |last1=Grant |first1=Shawn |title=DJ Mister Cee Reportedly Dead at 57, Messages of Love Pour in Across Social Media |website=The Source |url=https://thesource.com/2024/04/10/dj-mister-cee-reportedly-dead-at-57-messages-of-love-pour-in-across-social-media/ |access-date=April 14, 2024 |publisher=The NorthStar Group |date=April 10, 2024 |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411091507/https://thesource.com/2024/04/10/dj-mister-cee-reportedly-dead-at-57-messages-of-love-pour-in-across-social-media/ |url-status=live }} in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York City. At a young age, he learned how to DJ from a crew called DJ Knight and the Knights of Hollywood. In high school, he met rapper Big Daddy Kane. After graduation, he worked for several messenger companies, including Airborne Express,{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopmusic.com/interviews/magic.html|title=Mr. Magic and Mister Cee – 1995|year=1995|access-date=November 5, 2006|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126121512/http://www.hiphopmusic.com/interviews/magic.html|url-status=live}} until he began deejaying for Kane in the late 1980s. He appeared on the track "Mister Cee's Master Plan" from Kane's 1988 debut album, Long Live the Kane, and was a member of the Juice Crew, alongside rapper Roxanne Shante.{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Preezy |title=Mister Cee, Legendary Hip-Hop DJ, Dead At 57 |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/national/dj-mister-cee-dead-1234869187/ |access-date=April 11, 2024 |work=VIBE.com |publisher=Vibe Media |date=April 10, 2024 |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411023806/https://www.vibe.com/news/national/dj-mister-cee-dead-1234869187/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Alm |first1=David |title='Roxanne Roxanne' Tells An Often-Ignored Piece Of Hip Hop History |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidalm/2018/03/23/roxanne-roxanne-tells-an-often-ignored-piece-of-hip-hop-history/?sh=6867bcbf175c |access-date=April 11, 2024 |work=Forbes |publisher=Advantage Media |date=April 11, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=April 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412083216/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidalm/2018/03/23/roxanne-roxanne-tells-an-often-ignored-piece-of-hip-hop-history/?sh=6867bcbf175c |url-status=live }}

In the early 1990s, he gained popularity as a radio DJ, showcasing the music of rising artists. His radio shows Throwback at Noon and Friday Night Live would air respectively on New York radio stations Hot97 and WBLS. During this time, LeBrun discovered the Notorious B.I.G., otherwise known as Biggie Smalls,{{cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/mister-cee-dead-obituary-1235653440/|title=Mister Cee, Legendary New York DJ, Dies at 57|first=Angel|last=Diaz|publisher=Billboard|date=April 10, 2024|accessdate=April 10, 2024|archive-date=April 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411022311/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/mister-cee-dead-obituary-1235653440/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/mister-cee-death-calvin-lebrun/|title=New York City DJ Mister Cee dies at age 57, Hot97 confirms|publisher=CBS News New York|date=April 10, 2024|accessdate=April 10, 2024|archive-date=April 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411013553/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/mister-cee-death-calvin-lebrun/|url-status=live}} after meeting the rapper through his DJ 50 Grand. He would serve as B.I.G.’s mentor,{{Cite web|url= https://www.instagram.com/p/C5mNSyCPzEg/?igsh=MXNodHZ5dHl4ajZudw== |title=thenotoriousbig on Instagram: "The family of The Notorious B.I.G extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the family of our beloved brotha Calvin "DJ Mister Cee" Lebrun on his transition. He was a dear friend and mentor of B.I.G and an unwavering committed supporter of the family over the years of B.I.G's transition. We Love and Salute you King.. RIP- One of the BEST to touch the turntables"|website=Instagram}} help record B.I.G.'s demo and facilitate the deal that got Notorious B.I.G. signed by Sean "Diddy" Combs to Bad Boy Records.

In 1998, LeBrun became a member of The Flip Squad, which included Mark Ronson.{{cite news |last1=Gamp |first1=Joe |title=Mark Ronson and Biggie Smalls collaborator DJ Big Kap passes away, aged 45 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/various-artists-457-1205946 |access-date=April 11, 2024 |work=NME |publisher=NME Networks |date=February 3, 2016 |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003081737/https://www.nme.com/news/music/various-artists-457-1205946 |url-status=live }} He influenced many popular artists, including Alicia Keys,{{cite news |last1=Gonzales |first1=Michael A. |title=[VINTAGE VISION] Alicia Keys Dips Her 'Diary' in Hip-Hop |url=https://www.ebony.com/alicia-keys-dips-her-diary-in-hip-hop-333/ |access-date=April 11, 2024 |work=EBONY |date=December 20, 2013 |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208132117/https://www.ebony.com/alicia-keys-dips-her-diary-in-hip-hop-333/ |url-status=live }} and was referenced in Jay-Z's Death of Autotune.{{cite magazine |last1=Saponara |first1=Michael |title=50 Cent, DJ Premier, Chuck D & More React to DJ Mister Cee's Death |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/50-cent-dj-premier-reactions-dj-mister-cee-death-1235653500/ |access-date=April 11, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Penske Media |date=April 10, 2024 |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411025359/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/50-cent-dj-premier-reactions-dj-mister-cee-death-1235653500/ |url-status=live }} He was one of the first DJs to play Fetty Wap's "Trap Queen" in 2014, helping launch the rapper's career. Aside from his contributions in music, LeBrun also helped develop a new flavor called "Island Punch Finisher" for Tropical Fantasy soft drinks.{{cite web |first1=Chris |last1=Deville |title=Mister Cee, Legendary Hip-Hop DJ, Dead At 57|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2258937/mister-cee-legendary-hip-hop-dj-dead-at-57/news/|work=Stereogum|date=April 10, 2024 |access-date=April 11, 2024|archive-date=April 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410222421/https://www.stereogum.com/2258937/mister-cee-legendary-hip-hop-dj-dead-at-57/news/|url-status=live}} In 2008, the video game Grand Theft Auto IV featured a realistic Mister Cee character on a rap radio station titled "102.7, the Beat".{{cite web |first1=Rashad |last1=Grove |title=Report: Legendary New York DJ Mister Cee Dies at 57|url=https://www.bet.com/article/t08vg8/legendary-new-york-dj-mister-cee-dies-at-57|work=BET|access-date=April 11, 2024|archive-date=April 10, 2024|date=April 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410213726/https://www.bet.com/article/t08vg8/legendary-new-york-dj-mister-cee-dies-at-57|url-status=live}}

In 2013, his sexuality entered the public debate after his repeated arrests for soliciting prostitution from trans women.{{cite web|first1=Brandon |last1=Soderberg |date=May 6, 2013 |title=Mister Cee, Arrested Again for Soliciting a Prostitute, Tries to Defend Himself|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/05/mister-cee-dj-arrested-soliciting-prostitute-defense-hot-97/|work=Spin|access-date=April 10, 2024|archive-date=December 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202130727/https://www.spin.com/2013/05/mister-cee-dj-arrested-soliciting-prostitute-defense-hot-97/|url-status=live}}Zach Baron (January 21, 2014). [https://www.gq.com/story/mister-cee-calvin-lebrun-hot-97-dj "The secret double life of Mister Cee, hip hop's most beloved DJ"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002223652/https://www.gq.com/story/mister-cee-calvin-lebrun-hot-97-dj |date=October 2, 2021 }}. GQ. Condé Nast. Retrieved June 21, 2014.{{cite web|first1=Rob |last1=Markman |date= May 6, 2013 |title=Hot 97 DJ Mister Cee takes to airwaves after arrest: 'I am not gay'|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1706828/hot-97-mister-cee-arrest-male-prostitute-not-gay/|work=MTV News|access-date=January 15, 2015|archive-date=August 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816035945/http://www.mtv.com/news/1706828/hot-97-mister-cee-arrest-male-prostitute-not-gay/|url-status=dead}} Challenged by his radio cohost Ebro Darden, he was partly secretive, but denied being gay. The controversy persisted until he publicly acknowledged that, while not seeking sex with trans women, he had sought activities such as oral sex,{{cite web|first1=Nancy |last1=Dillon |date=January 22, 2014 |title=Hot 97 DJ Mister Cee opens up about transgender prostitution scandal, says he's 'absolutely not' gay in GQ interview |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/hot-97-dj-mister-cee-absolutely-not-gay-article-1.1587347|work=NY Daily News|access-date=January 15, 2015|archive-date=April 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414030210/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/hot-97-dj-mister-cee-absolutely-not-gay-article-1.1587347|url-status=live}} and questioned his sexuality.{{cite news |last1=Caramanica |first1=Jon |title=Hip-Hop, Tolerance and a D.J.'s Bared Soul: He's Tired of Denial |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/14/arts/music/homophobia-and-hip-hop-a-confession-breaks-a-barrier.html?_r=0 |access-date=April 11, 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=September 13, 2013 |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207074859/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/14/arts/music/homophobia-and-hip-hop-a-confession-breaks-a-barrier.html?_r=0 |url-status=live }} As a result of the controversy and the station's new plans for music, he resigned from Hot97 temporarily in 2013 and permanently in 2014, moving to his show on WXBK.{{cite news |last1=Mayorquín |first1=Orlando |title=Mister Cee, Pioneering Brooklyn D.J., Dies at 57 |quote="Before he died, he had his own show playing throwbacks on 94.7 The Block NYC." |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/10/arts/music/mister-cee-dj-dead.html |access-date=April 12, 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=April 10, 2024 |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411164853/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/10/arts/music/mister-cee-dj-dead.html |url-status=live }} Despite the prevalence of homophobia in the hip hop community, he received support from many notable hip hop figures, including Questlove.{{cite news |last1=Landrum, Jr. |first1=Jonathan |title=Mister Cee, a famed hip-hop DJ and key figure behind Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album, dies at 57 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/mister-cee-a-famed-hip-hop-dj-and-key-figure-behind-notorious-b-i-g-s-debut-album-dies-at-57/ |access-date=April 11, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=April 10, 2024 |archive-date=April 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412083333/https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/mister-cee-a-famed-hip-hop-dj-and-key-figure-behind-notorious-b-i-g-s-debut-album-dies-at-57/ |url-status=live }} Addressing the incident in 2021 on a podcast hosted by Maino, LeBrun said that being outed made him feel dead and likened the experience to a funeral, stating that in his mind "a whole funeral scene unfolded: who came and didn’t come, who was mourning, who was laughing from the back of the pews." In the same interview he identified himself as a "Try-sexual" meaning that he was "willing to try anything", and affirmed that he was attracted to trans women.{{Cite web |date=2021-03-12 |title=Addressing his past, DJ Mister Cee says he is 'Try-sexual' |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/addressing-his-past-dj-mister-cee-says-he-is-try-sexual-225106958.html |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Yahoo Life |language=en-US}}

In 2020, LeBrun became the host of

Sirius XM's “The Set It Off Show” on LL Cool J's Rock the Bells Radio, a position he held until his death.{{Cite web|url=https://www.siriusxm.com/blog/dj-mister-cee|title=SiriusXM Remembers DJ Mister Cee with a Special Tribute Show|website=siriusxm.com|date=April 10, 2024| access-date=April 24, 2024}}

LeBrun died in New York City on April 10, 2024, at the age of 57 due to "diabetes-related coronary artery/kidney disease." LeBrun's cause of death was confirmed in an official statement from the family.{{cite news|url=https://www.hot97.com/news/legendary-dj-mister-cee-has-passed-away/|title=Legendary DJ Mister Cee Has Passed Away|first=Tai|last=Perkins|publisher=Hot 97|date=April 10, 2024|accessdate=April 10, 2024|archive-date=April 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410220341/https://www.hot97.com/news/legendary-dj-mister-cee-has-passed-away/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/4qcwkc/dj-mister-cees-cause-of-death-revealed|title=DJ Mister Cee's Cause of Death Revealed|website=BET|date=April 17, 2024| access-date=April 24, 2024}} Numerous recording artists and broadcasters expressed their condolences on social media, including 50 Cent, Faith Evans, Queen Latifah, Fat Joe, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Chuck D, Busta Rhymes, Raekwon, Ed Lover, Memphis Bleek, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, DJ Jazzy Jeff, journalist Elliott Wilson, and Hot 97 DJ Peter Rosenberg.{{cite news |last1=Grover |first1=Ashima |title=Iconic DJ Mister Cee passes away at 57: Report |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/iconic-dj-mister-cee-passes-away-at-57-report-101712782607517.html |access-date=April 11, 2024 |work=Hindustan Times |date=April 11, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411181959/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/iconic-dj-mister-cee-passes-away-at-57-report-101712782607517.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Mister Cee, pioneering New York City DJ, dies at 57 |url=https://abc7ny.com/calvin-lebrun-also-known-as-dj-mister-cee-dies-at-57/14644154/ |access-date=April 11, 2024 |work=ABC7 New York |agency=The Associated Press |date=April 11, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411015136/https://abc7ny.com/calvin-lebrun-also-known-as-dj-mister-cee-dies-at-57/14644154/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Stump |first1=Scott |title=Mister Cee, legendary hip-hop DJ, dies at 57. Why the hip-hop community is in deep mourning |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/music/mister-cee-death-rcna147355 |access-date=April 12, 2024 |work=TODAY.com |date=April 11, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411181805/https://www.today.com/popculture/music/mister-cee-death-rcna147355 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |date=2024-04-10 |title=Mister Cee, Big Daddy Kane’s DJ and Notorious B.I.G.’s Producer, Dies at 57 |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/mister-cee-dead-the-notorious-big-big-daddy-kane-1235966818/ |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=ruthhawkins |date=2024-04-10 |title=Celebrities Salute Iconic DJ Mister Cee After News Of HIs Passing |url=https://www.hot97.com/news/celebrities-react-death-dj-mister-cees-passing/ |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=HOT 97 |language=en-US}}

LeBrun is considered a legendary figure in hip-hop and one of the greatest DJs of all time. DJ Premier called Mister Cee an "icon", 50 Cent called Mister Cee a "legend", and Peter Rosenberg called Mister Cee "one of the most important and impactful DJs of all time". Common called Mister Cee "one of the most important people ever in hip-hop" and said "thank you for what you’ve done for the Culture, the Music and for Us."{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5pgZQtM7F-/|title=Common on Instagram: "GOD Bless The Soul of Mister Cee."|website=Instagram}} Wyclef Jean added that Mister Cee was “one of the greatest pillars of hip-hop music”.{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5mdiZNLhBa/?igsh=MXBqenhqb24xd2ZkMw%3D%3D|title=Wyclef Jean on Instagram: "R.I.P to one of the greatest pillars of HIp Hop Music we all loved you rest with the Angels"|website=Instagram}} Busta Rhymes stated, "I just want people to understand how much Mister Cee really meant. I hope everybody can understand how significant of a blow this is to our culture as a whole...we’re not letting Mister Cee’s legacy die. We’re going to make sure your legend lives for infinity."{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6HBN9rL8Xl/?igsh=MWVwNXZ5dmt5Z2d5ag/|title=947theblock on Instagram: "On April 30th, family and friends will be sending our dear friend THE FINISHER DJ MISTER CEE off in grand fashion."|website=Instagram}}

{{incomplete list|date=April 2024}}

• Masta Ace – Take a Look Around (1990), producer
• Big Daddy Kane – Taste of Chocolate (1990), producer
• Big Daddy Kane – Prince of Darkness (1991), producer
• Roxanne Shante – The Bitch Is Back (1992), producer
• Big Daddy Kane – Looks Like a Job For... (1993), producer
• The Notorious B.I.G. – Ready to Die (1994), associate executive producer
• The Notorious B.I.G. – Best of Biggie Smalls (1995), producer (mixtape){{cite news |last1=Nevares |first1=Gabriel Bras |title=Rest In Peace Mister Cee: Remembering The DJ's Indelible Hip-Hop Legacy |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/786856-mister-cee-dead-dj-career-history-hip-hop-news |access-date=April 14, 2024 |work=HotNewHipHop |date=April 11, 2024 |language=en}}

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.discogs.com/artist/Mister+Cee Mister Cee] at Discogs

{{Authority control}}

Category:1966 births

Category:2024 deaths

Category:Record producers from New York (state)

Category:American radio personalities

Category:People from Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn

Category:American people of Trinidad and Tobago descent

Category:Hip-hop record producers

Category:The Flip Squad members

Category:LGBTQ hip-hop musicians

Category:LGBTQ DJs

Category:American LGBTQ musicians

Category:LGBTQ people from New York (state)

Category:20th-century American LGBTQ people

Category:21st-century American LGBTQ people

Category:Juice Crew members