Who was DJ Polo aka Thomas E Pough? The hip-hop community pays tribute following Juice Crew Legend’s reported death

DJ Polo reportedly died (Image via Instagram / therealdjericb / djchuckchillout)
DJ Polo reportedly died (Image via Instagram / therealdjericb / djchuckchillout)

DJ Polo has reportedly died. He was most recognized for his collaborations with Kool G Rap. Words of Polo's reported passing spread on July 27 via media outlets like Complex, after which tributes started rolling in.

Hot Hip Hop Wiki stated that Polo, whose real name was Thomas E. Pough, was a disc jockey and record producer from New York City. He became famous after he collaborated with rapper Kool G Rap to form the pair Kool G Rap & Polo. Together, they released three albums in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

One of the first people to pay respects to Polo soon after the news of his passing went viral was rapper and producer, Eric B. In a tribute to his friend, he posted his photo on Instagram and wrote in the caption,

"My brother DJ POLO we had some great times you will never be forgotten GODS speed.”

Meanwhile, once the news of his death started circulating, his fans took to social media sites like X to pay tribute to the DJ.

“Man. We lost another one of our Hip-Hop soldiers. R.I.P...” wrote one X user.
“We’re losing some of our originals and legendary figures in Hip Hop R.I.P.....” said another one.
“Rest In Power...” commented another user.
“Many Hip Hop legends passing away too soon. RIP DJ Polo who worked with Kool G. Rap & on one of my favorite hip hop songs of all-time,” wrote another user.

Other netizens also expressed their condolences,

“Manners and respect for the legacy of DJ Polo. Much has been said about the best three-album runs, and Polo’s work with Kool G Rap on their three albums together is a trilogy of brilliance. RIP DJ Polo. Walk good,” said another one.
“Rest In Beats to the legendary #DJPolo. Psychopath on the phonograph, nut of the cuts You heard the boy slice, is he nice or what? He’s the main entertainer inside the show...” wrote another netizen.
“Again RIP DJ Polo these CDS well worth having them. More to come,” commented another user.
“As the first female MC to go solo, I was early enough in the culture to know one thing, “every solo MC had their own DJ”! Within the Juice Crew, rapper Kool G Rap had DJ Polo and in the 80s the two rocked the stage flawlessly! RIP to my Juice Crew brother! #ImAPioneer” another expressed their condolences.

DJ Polo was a producer known for his collab with Kool G Rap

36-year-old rapper Polo, a well-known music producer best known for his collaborations with rapper Kool G Rap, has reportedly passed away. On Saturday, July 27, many of his close friends and coworkers shared the same news after news outlets like Complex reported it.

Times Now stated that the record producer, whose real name was Thomas E. Pough, was regarded as an "icon" and a "hip-hop soldier."

In 1986, Polo started his career with Kool G Rap. The pair belonged to Marley Marl's group, The Juice Crew, which he found with radio DJ Mr. Magic in the mid-1980s. It also featured several musicians, including Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, MC Shan, Roxanne Shante, and Kool G Rap.

Its A Demo from 1986 marked Polo's recording debut. He then appeared on the albums Road To The Riches (1989), Wanted Dead Or Alive (1990), and Live And Let Die (1992).

Meanwhile, once the news of his reported passing went viral, X users took to the platform to pay their tribute to Polo.


However, the reason behind Polo’s reported death hasn’t been disclosed.

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Edited by Pradyot Hegde
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