News
Christian Hip Hop Pioneer, Nelson Chu (“DJ Official”) Passes Away at 39: Watch Video Tribute
Yesterday, news was released that Nelson Chu (a.k.a. DJ Official) passed away due to complications related to a recent lung-transplant surgery. The surgery happened at the climax of Official’s struggles with a rare form of cancer. In 2010, he was diagnosed with a rare form of bone marrow cancer and struggled with emphysema, which caused the need for the double lung transplant. He is survived by his wife Teresa and their two children.
(Video Tribute by Anesha Collins of Unashamed Imaging)
DJ Official was a Grammy Award-winning producer and a pioneer in the Christian hip hop community. He served as Lecrae’s tour deejay and produced for Reach Records as well as the legendary Hip Hop group, Cross Movement. He also released a solo project in 2009 titled, “Enter Mission” which featured Lecrae, This’l, R-Swift, Tedashii, Sho Baraka and Trip Lee. He retired from the music scene in 2014 because of health complications. Prior to that time, DJ Official gave his all to some of the best in Christian Hip Hop. His impact was felt in and outside of the CHH community.
Lecrae shared the following about his friend …
“Many don’t realize DJ official was one of my biggest advocates when I first started. He made sure My music was heard. He took my live show to new heights and was the relational glue for many of us. For years his sound crafted the movement of believers doing hip hop. He’s a pioneer.”
HipHopdx.com posted this statement …
“…His impact extended beyond the Christian Hip Hop Community as Statik Selektah and others paid tribute to him on social media. Street Symphony, who has worked with 2 Chainz and on Lecrae’s Grammy-winning Gravity album, also honored the producer.”
Social Media posts about DJ Official’s impact have been flooding the timelines and media platforms of those who supported him. It’s clear that many were not just impacted by his music alone, but also by how he loved and supported his friends and family who were with him from the beginning.
“Along with his character and deep friendship, we remember what he meant musically to the movement.”
– Reach Records
The squad will never be the same without you Fish. Love you brother. You are forever healed. @djofficialdj pic.twitter.com/3ILTmrgNEN
— Andy Mineo (@AndyMineo) August 15, 2016
I Love this man! I pray for his wife and kids! Your heart, talent and humor will be missed. #RIPDJOfficial pic.twitter.com/b6f9DDmDXR
— Sho Baraka (@AmIshoBaraka) August 15, 2016
Love people while they are here. Tell them you love them and mean it. Fish was a real one. Heaven gained a real one. ??
— Derek Minor (@thederekminor) August 14, 2016
In a previous 116 Life interview, when asked how the body of believers can pray for him, Official (affectionately known as “Fish” by his friends) had the following to say:
“Strength for my family. It’s so easy to forget the people behind the scenes who are with you every step of the way. My wife has been unbelievable. A truly GOD send and I ask for people to pray for her strength during this. Purpose. I want this all to be for a reason. I want GOD to get his glory from this. I want my life, my story to make a difference in other people’s lives. I want it to help strengthen people’s relationship with Christ and be more unashamed of the gospel than ever before.” – DJ Official
These words continue to be a prayer that the ArtSoul Radio team will pray
along with all of his fans on behalf of DJ Official’s closest family and loved ones
– Rest in heaven Nelson Chu (a.k.a. DJ Official). –
HOW TO SUPPORT DJ OFFICIAL’S FAMILY:
- Purchase DJ Official’s ‘Enter Mission’ on MP3, CD, or Vinyl below:
https://reach.merchline.com/collections/music/products/dj-official-entermission
(100% of the proceeds from his music will go to the Chu family and their needs.)
- Donate directly to DJ Official’s family financially by visiting their YouCaring page.