Chicago DJ Timbuck2 Dies at 34; Kanye West, Common, Vic Mensa & More Pay Tribute

12/21/2015 by Natalie Weiner

Toby Canham/Getty Images for BMF Media
DJ Timbuck2 performs on Sept. 6, 2012 in Los Angeles.

Chicago DJ and radio personality Timothy "Timbuck2" Jones, who fostered local hip-hop and toured with artists like Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and Common, died over the weekend (Dec. 19) following a battle with cancer, per a report from ABC. He was 34.

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Jones was beloved for his commitment to Chicago rap, using his platform as the marquee DJ at the city's WGCI to give artists like Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa their first big break via his Go iLL Radio program. 

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Chicago artists, including all those named above, spent the weekend remembering the DJ. "He was an amazing person and talent," West said on Twitter, while Just Blaze said, "Awesome DJ. Even better human being." Common recalled memorable evenings spent listening to the turntablist, concluding that he was "one of the most talented and gifted DJs ever!"

Read more tributes to Jones's legacy below: