BROOKLYN M O U R N S
T H E W O R L D R E M E M B E R S
FROM THE STREETS OF BROOKLYN TO THE GLOBAL STAGE, DJ MISTER CEE'S REVOLUTIONARY BEATS IGNITED A CULTURAL PHENOMENON. HIS LEGACY TRANSCENDS
His Mix, Our Memory
Uniting Cultures Worldwide
BORDERS, INFLUENCING GENERATIONS AND RESONATING THROUGH THE HISTORY OF HIP-HOP.
RISING STAR:
DJ IN THE MAKING
MORE THAN VINYL, HE SCRATCHED OUR SOULS
IconicBeats
DJ Mister Cee did more than play records; he played the soundtrack to our lives, reaching deep into the soul of the entertainment community and beyond His skills transcended mere music, scratching rhythms that moved not only our bodies but stirred our spirits.
BEYOND THE VINYL, SOULFUL ECHOES
Digging Deep and Creating Legends
ORIGINS
EVERY CLASSIC MIX STARTED IN THE CRATES, WHERE DJ MISTER CEE UNEARTHED SOUNDS THAT SHAPED HIP-HOP AND HIS LEGACY.
In collaboration with Tropical Fantasy, he introduced Island Punch Finishera vibrant tribute to his enduring influence on music and flavor
DJ Mister Cee teams up with Ewing Athletics to launch a special edition sneaker line, merging iconic style with hip-hop legacy DJ Mister Cee loved his borough. Where Bklyn At?HE PLAYED WE DANCED
THROUGH HIS MUSICAL GENIUS AND STRATEGIC COLLABORATIONS, DJ MISTER CEE ELEVATED COUNTLESS ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS, EXTENDING HIS INFLUENCE FROM LOCAL NEIGHBORHOODS TO THE RADIO WAVES AND GLOBAL STAGES, AMPLIFYING THE SCOPE OF HIS LEGACY.
DJ Mister Cee, also known as 'The Wallop King,' or 'The Finisher' did more than change the world of hiphop he transformed it at its core. At cultural epicenters, on the grassroots level, his collaborations with superpromoters, event producers, venue owners and entertainers created opportunities for prosperity.
By being retained for his services, he not only showcased his musical genius but also positioned countless individuals within his community and beyond to succeed. His beats did more than fill rooms; they opened doors for aspiring entrepreneurs, making his impact resonate far beyond the music itself.
the final setlist.
OFFICIATED BY M
JORDANVINYL JOURNEY BEGINS
Procession tours Bed-Stuy, tracing the streets that shaped a legend
THE BROOKLYN BEAT STOPS
Block Party Beats at Lafayette Gardens: His Roots, His Home
CROSSFADE TO PARAMOUNT
Procession transitions to Brooklyn Paramount
STAGE SET FOR TRIBUTE
Brooklyn Paramount ‘Blackberry Molasses’
CEE IN MOTION: A VISUAL MIXTAPE
Career highlight video tribute with iconic footage
OPENING MIX BY MONTELL JORDAN
Service starts with remarks, scripture, and prayer
MAYOR ADAMS’ MIC CHECK
A Word from the Mayor: Honoring DJ Mister Cee’s Impact on the City
KANE’S SALUTE: THE CEE INFLUENCE
Reflecting on Cee's musical legacy
SPIN BY DJ LENOX
Blending classic hits that defined Cee’s career
HOT 97 HONORS
Tribute from HOT 97, where Cee made his mark as a premier DJ
MAGIC ON THE AIRWAVES
DJ Magic spins a set that echoes Cee’s style
ROCK THE BELLS PRESENTS
Celebrating Key Contributions and Enduring Influence
A DECADE ON THE BLOCK
DJ Self presents Wyclef Jean reflects on his profound impact
94.7 THE BLOCK
Tuning into Legacy: A Broadcast Icon
MEDIA MIX BY RALPH MCDANIELS
Exploring profound influences across media and culture
THE MAN BEHIND MISTER CEE
Introduction to Calvin (Insider’s Edition)
LIFE’S LYRICS - THE OBITUARY
Chronicles his life highlights and personal moments
SHOUT-OUTS AND SAMPLES
Acknowledgments celebrating the community he built
THE FINAL FADE-OUT
Eulogy and final prayer by Montell Jordan, a poignant farewell to a life vibrantly lived
A MOMENT TO SAY GOODBYE
Final salute to a legendary DJ in the heart of Brooklyn
THE VINYL CLOSES
Transitioning to a celebration of his life with music
THECALVINLEBRUNSTORY
While known to the world as legendary on-air personality, mixer and music producer DJ Mister Cee, Calvin LeBrun was known privately as the most loving, dedicated and steadfast family man, an avid music collector and cinephile. A favorite son of Brooklyn, New York, with Southern and Trinidadian roots, Calvin was born August 17, 1966. Raised by his maternal grandparents, Henry and Beatrice Wilson, Calvin grew up with seven other children in a household full to bursting with laughter and love. Saturdays provided the soundtrack to Calvin’s childhood and were formative to his own love of music, planting the seed that would grow as a new artform known as hip-hop was taking shape in New York City. He would carry this tradition forward on Sundays, which were Family Day for Calvin–he was always present for them. Even as he traveled the world during his career, Calvin never missed a family birthday or graduation. His favorite celebrations were Mother’s Day and family reunions at Heckscher State Park.
With respect to hip-hop, there are those who are authentically of the culture, for the culture, and who protect the culture. Calvin was the rare personification of
authentically of the culture, for the culture, and who protect the culture Calvin was the rare personification of all three. In 1989, through Calvin’s high school friend Antonio, professionally known as Big Daddy Kane, Calvin would befriend a fellow Brooklynite named Duval, known professionally as Masta Ace, who was also Kane’s labelmate. Calvin’s affiliation with The Juice Crew would lead to DJ Mister Cee becoming known by name as the first DJ for Kane on top-selling recordings and in live performance worldwide throughout Kane’s solo career. Calvin deejayed and produced for Kane from 1984-1995 An innovator of scratching on Kane’s seminal Cold Chillin’ Records releases Long Live The Kane and It’s A Big Daddy Thing among others, DJ Mister Cee would go on to produce, remix and/or executive produce throughout hip hop’s Golden Era for artists including Diamond D, Leschea, Masta Ace, Tape Kingz, The Flip Squad Allstars and many others. As VP of A&R at Mercury Records, he signed Ill Al Skratch and Blahzay Blahzay.
The hallmarks of DJ Mister Cee within the industry were his generosity and continual support of artists and executive talent. His love for helping others came second only to his unwavering faith in God. Upon receiving the demo for a teenage Christopher Wallace from the late DJ 50 Grand, DJ Mister Cee was instrumental in developing the artistry of the late The Notorious B.I.G. as an associate executive producer on his multiplatinum albums Ready To Die and Born Again.
associate executive producer on his multiplatinum albums Ready To Die and Born Again. DJ Mister Cee collaborated with the late Mr. Magic on WNYE on The Best of Both Worlds from 1993 to 1995, before he joined the roster of mixers on HOT 97. Over the course of two decades, DJ Mister Cee gained a loyal following in the mix. His signature #1 rated show The Throwback at Noon imparted history lessons wrapped inside brilliant live scratching and blends. In addition to slots on 94.7 The Block and The Set It Off Show on Rock The Bells Radio/SiriusXM, DJ Mister Cee was masterful at rocking the crowd any and everywhere: on the first ever 120minute mixtape, at music festivals, block parties, live sporting events and clubs, transmitting his infectious energy set to music for the masses. His peerless skill earned him the title of The Finisher. DJ Mister Cee is also credited with breaking Jay-Z, 50 Cent, The Diplomats, Alicia Keys, Drake and countless other artists in the New York market.
A devoted family man and eldest brother, Calvin shall forever be cherished by all his siblings for the unshakeable connection he shared with each of them. His relationship with his sister Cicely was particularly special. More than just a brother to her, he was a father figure, setting a sterling example of respect and care. Though his protective instincts sometimes led to clashes, Cicely
learned to appreciate his intentions to shield her from the harsher realities of life. Marked by mutual inspiration and motivation, Calvin and Cicely’s love and admiration for one another created an unbreakable bond that not even death can sever. Calvin also nurtured great relationships with all three of his brothers Anthony, Shannon, and Darrell, bonds filled with warmth, humor, and mutual respect, embodying his role with grace and enthusiasm.
Calvin is survived by four siblings, brothers Anthony, Shannon, Darrell and sister Cicely; nieces Lillian, Shalamar, Shaada, Brooklynn, Yael-yah, Krys-janiyah, Avianca and Monique; nephews: Alyric, Ermias, Lennon, Tiheem, King, and Jason. In addition to his aunt Darleen “Candy” Wilson, several aunts, uncles, and cousins survive Calvin, as well his best friends Joseph “Hollywood” Hawkins, Duval and Leschea Clear, and their daughter Milan, Calvin’s goddaughter.
While Calvin left an indelible mark on entertainment, his earthly presence was powerful beyond measure for his relatives. Calvin LeBrun is one of one. He always put on for his beloved borough of Brooklyn. His legacy lives on in the music he made, the lives he touched, and the joy he brought to the world through his immense, extraordinary talent
-Thembisa S Mshaka, as told to by Cicely Calixte, Masta Ace and Leslie JacobsEarly Career and Groundbreaking Work
First DJ to do a 120 minute mixtape Juice Crew Pioneer: Started his career as a member of the Juice Crew with Roxanne Shante.
Big Daddy Kane’s DJ & Producer (1984-1995):
Featured on Kane's debut album Long Live the Kane and subsequent projects. Innovator in Music Production: Produced critical tracks on Masta Ace's debut album and collaborated extensively during hip-hop's Golden Era.
Industry Leadership and Media Influence
Media Executive and Radio Influence: 21 years at HOT 97, shaping NYC's hip-hop radio scene, #1 Rated Mixshow in New York with The Throwback at Noon, Launched his own show on 94.7 The Block and hosted 'Set It Off' on Rock The Bells Radio. VP of A&R at Mercury Records: Signed and developed artists like Ill and Al Scratch & Blazay Blazay.
LEGACY OF ACHIEVEMENT: THE MILESTONES
Artistic Collaborations and Cultural Impact
The Flip Squad Formation: Co-founded this influential group of DJs and producers, releasing The Flip Squad All-Star DJs album.
Discovery and Mentorship: Discovered The
Notorious B.I.G., playing a key role in the development of his debut album Ready to Die. Also credited with influencing the careers of major artists like Jay-Z, Diplomats, 50 Cent, and Alicia Keys.
Innovator: Mister Cee and Mateo Productions created one of the most legendary institutions in NYC Hip Hop Nightlife: Club Speed.
Personal Passions and Legacy
Cultural Icon and Family Man: Known for his deep love for family, never missing significant family occasions and fostering a household filled with laughter and love.
Creative Collaborations: Partnered with Ewing Athletics for a sneaker line and Tropical Fantasy to create "Island Punch Finisher" soft drink.
Community Engagement: Known for his generosity and continual support of emerging artists and executive talent, deeply committed to nurturing the hip-hop culture.
Through Our Eyes: the children remember
YALLY SAUCE
Thankyouforbeingtheglue thatheldourfamily together,inlifeandindeath. Youaremorethananuncle tome,you’reabestfriend. Iloveyouforever.
Themomentswithyouwere mostimpactfulinmylife,the changeIobtainandthe growthIdesirearealldueto theinspirationyougrantedme withjustyourmerepresence. Youwillliveonthroughall thesuccessyougrantedupon me,restinbeautyandseeyou inspaceUncleCalvin.
SHALIMAR LEBRUN
Uncle,Youhaveleftyourfootprints withgloryonthesandoftime.Your namewillberememberedforalong time,andyourstorywillbetoldfor generations.Thankyouforshowing upformewhenitmattered.
UncleCalvin,mydaughterandIwill trulymissyou.Thankyouforbeing aninspirationtome.WithLove.
KRYS-JANIYAHThankyouforshowingmewhata realfamilylookslike.Idon’thave manyrelativesthatmatterbuthaving youinmylifeitmadeitok.Eventho Ididn’tsayitoften,Iloveyouso muchandImissyoueveryday.
UncleCee, Youweremygodfather &bestfriend.SomeoneIcantalkto, laughwith,andjustbemyselfwith. Lifewillneverbethesamewithout you.ThankYouforlovingmeand allyou’vedoneformeespecially whenmyparentssaid,“no”. Iknowyou’llalwaysbelooking afterme,Iloveyou.❤
MONIQUE MILAN JASON “BIG POPPA