The hip-hop nation paid tribute to Reggie Osse (also known as Combat Jack) on Wednesday (Dec. 20) after word spread that the host of the Combat Jack Show had passed away after losing his bout with cancer. Osse was 48.
The former hip-hop-attorney-turned-podcaster was one of hip-hop’s most recognizable names as his show gained popularity for its in-depth discussions and interviews with prominent hip-hop figures. The memorials from the likes of Joe Budden, Raekwon, DJ Whoo Kid, Alchemist and others began to pour in on social media as the hip-hop world learned of Osse’s death, which Hot 97 radio host Peter Rosenberg confirmed in a tweet that read, “Hip Hop has lost one of its most important historians and voices… we had serious ups and downs but I was so happy we had made things good… Rest In Peace to my friend Combat Jack….”
View some of the tributes below.
Hip Hop has lost one of its most important historians and voices… we had serious ups and downs but I was so happy we had made things good… Rest In Peace to my friend Combat Jack….
— Peter Rosenberg (@Rosenbergradio) December 20, 2017
Heartbreaking. RIP Reggie “Combat Jack” Osse. Great man, storyteller and leader. Your contributions to hip hop will never ever be forgotten. Ultimate salute. pic.twitter.com/McK0F9TvYp
— Elliott Wilson (@ElliottWilson) December 20, 2017
Rest In Peace @Combat_Jack pic.twitter.com/sBPN3kKGKf
— Dreamville (@Dreamville) December 20, 2017
At a loss for words. Rest In Peace to Combat Jack, one of the most incredible individuals I’ve ever known
— Karen Civil (@KarenCivil) December 20, 2017
Rest in peace Combat Jack.
— Alchemist (@Alchemist) December 20, 2017
OMG. —————- RIP @Combat_Jack ……… no fucking way. pic.twitter.com/ETpjaKrGqr
— DJ Whoo Kid (@DJWhooKid) December 20, 2017
RIP Combat Jack. No words suffice to capture the multitudes he possessed. A rap encyclopedia who could spin stories about both Bronx block parties & the Paradise Garage. A brilliant interviewer & attorney. A kind gentle soul who understood & cared about the culture like no other.
— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) December 20, 2017
Worst possible news today. We lost #CombatJack, a trailblazer and someone who always knew where the culture was heading before anyone else. RIP. https://t.co/tratAP9zRn
— Tony Gervino (@microtony) December 20, 2017
Rest In Peace to Reggie Ossé; a real friend and a constant inspiration. Love you forever Combat Jack!
— Rob Markman (@RobMarkman) December 20, 2017
DAMN MAN REST IN PEACE TO MY BROTHER @Combat_Jack ONE OF THE FIRST PEOPLE TO EVER EMBRACE ME IN THIS WHOLE SHIT. MY HEART IS HEAVY MAN FUCK. LOVE ALWAYS.
— FUCK THATS DELICIOUS (@ActionBronson) December 20, 2017
R.i.p Combat jack !!! We gonna miss u king!! pic.twitter.com/aYBfv1JjvY
— Raekwon Da Chef (@Raekwon) December 20, 2017
Rest In Peace to the Legendary Combat Jack. And thank you for everything.
— Joe Budden (@JoeBudden) December 20, 2017
My heart is broken. Combat Jack was one of the kindest, most incredible people I knew. I tried to hire him 10x over the years, but he was smart enough to keep building his own empire. I loved that dude…I will really miss him. Thanks Reggie for your mentorship + friendship. RIP pic.twitter.com/XhWv7YaLEh
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) December 20, 2017
reggie osse was one of the smartest and most helpful ppl i met in this game. he was my listener and i was his. and i hate to know he’s gone. r.i.p., @combat_jack.
— El Flaco (@bomani_jones) December 20, 2017
The news of Osse’s passing comes on the heels of him announcing his diagnosis earlier in October in a note posted to Twitter. “In 7 years of podcasting, I’ve never missed an episode. I got hit with some real life shit. I was recently diagnosed with Colon Cancer. I was rushed to the hospital, had some pretty severe surgery,” he informed fans.