Q-Tip, Lupe Fiasco & Questlove Mourn Saxophonist Casey Benjamin

Q-Tip, Lupe Fiasco, Questlove and lots of extra are mourning the loss of life of saxophonist Casey Benjamin.

Benjamin handed away on March 30 on the age of 45. His brother, Kevin, revealed that his reason behind loss of life was pulmonary thromboembolism.

In an announcement shared on social media final week, Benjamin’s household mentioned: “It’s with the deepest sorrow that the Benjamin household shares the heartbreaking information of the passing of Casey Benjamin. Casey was recovering from a latest surgical procedure, and we’re nonetheless gathering all of the info.

“We’ve got been deeply touched by the outpouring of affection and help from household, buddies, and Casey’s esteemed music group. Casey stayed true to the artwork of his music, and the power of his spirit will stay on in eternity.

“We’re dedicated to persevering with Casey’s legacy.”

Casey Benjamin is greatest referred to as an unique member of The Robert Glasper Experiment and has collaborated with the celebrated pianist for the reason that Nineties.

The pair received two Grammys collectively, with the primary coming in 2013 for Glasper’s Black Radio, which was named Finest R&B Album. Glasper’s track “Jesus Youngsters” then received Finest Conventional R&B Efficiency two years later.

Glasper paid tribute to Benjamin following information of his loss of life, telling Rolling Stone: “He was the epitome of what it means to be distinctive and one among a form. The true that means of a genius at his craft. There isn’t a Robert Glasper Experiment with out him. The world misplaced an enormous, and I misplaced a brother.”

Benjamin additionally labored with A Tribe Referred to as Quest on their remaining album We Received It From Right here… Thank You 4 Your Service, and Q-Tip posted an image of the 2 of them together with the caption: “Circa. Infinite.”

Lupe Fiasco, a frequent collaborator of Glasper and Benjamin, additionally paid tribute on X, writing: “Relaxation In Peace Casey Benjamin. A masterpiece of an individual.”

Questlove penned a prolonged tribute to the saxophonist alongside a clip of him performing with the Robert Glasper Experiment.

“It’s to say goodbye to the good Casey Benjamin. Critically…..rattling close to each member of this squad was a god in their very own proper and I thought-about #CaseyBenjamin the Horace Grant of the squad,” he mentioned.

“His presence allowed Glasper the area to do what I feel Glasper does greatest which is paint colours that in any other case could be a process had Glasper had the job of main the mission with only one keyboard. It was at all times my dream to work with Casey whose vocoder work & sax work was simply friggin otherworldly.”

The Roots drummer added: “I do know I bitch concerning the state of music we’re in with snide remarks however I additionally love giving credit score to the place it’s due. Simply unhappy to provide one other bouquet of flowers to a proficient gracious wonderful artistic soul and human being who left the aircraft earlier than I received to document within the studio with him or earlier than I received an opportunity to inform him only one extra time how thoughts blowing his work was. Relaxation In Melody Casey.”

Derrick Hodge, who labored with Benjamin as a part of the Robert Glasper Experiment, mentioned in his personal tribute: “Tonight, I honor a brother. A real brother and good friend. Casey Benjamin, thanks for uplifting me, for being a light-weight in my life, and on your unbelievable affect on the music world.

“I’ll carry your smile with me, brother. And we’ll collectively honor and carry your legacy with us. Can’t get my phrases collectively at this second however will echo a couple of of my final phrases to you: I’m grateful for you and love you at all times! Relaxation effectively, King.”

HipHopDX sends its condolences to Casey Benjamin’s household, buddies and followers.