Biography:

Calvin LeBrun (August 17, 1966 – April 10, 2024), known as professionally as Mister Cee or DJ Mister Cee, was an American DJ, broadcaster, record executive and radio personality on New York’s RADIO 103.9. Credited with the discovery of both rappers, he guest featured on Big Daddy Kane‘s debut album Long Live the Kane (1988), and served as associate executive producer for the Notorious B.I.G.‘s debut album, Ready to Die (1994).^[1][2][3]

LeBrun was born in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York City. At a young age, he learned how to DJ from a crew called DJ Knight and the Knights of Hollywood.^[2] In high school, he met rapper Big Daddy Kane. After graduation, he worked for several messenger companies, including Airborne Express,^[4] until he began deejaying for Kane in the late 1980s. He appeared on the track “Mister Cee’s Master Plan” from Kane’s 1988 debut album, Long Live the Kane.^[2]

In the early 1990s, he gained popularity as a radio DJ, showcasing the music of rising artists. His radio shows Throwback at Noon and Friday Night Live would air respectively on New York radio stations Hot97 and WBLS.^[3] During this time, Mister Cee discovered the Notorious B.I.G., otherwise known as Biggie Smalls,^[5][6] after meeting the rapper through his DJ 50 Grand.^[2] He would help record B.I.G.’s demo and facilitate the deal which got Notorious B.I.G. signed by Sean “Diddy” Combs to Bad Boy Records.^[2] Mister Cee also helped develop a new flavor called “Island Punch Finisher” for Tropical Fantasy soft drinks.^[7] In 2008, the video game Grand Theft Auto IV featured a realistic Mister Cee character on a rap radio station, “102.7, the Beat”.^[8]

In 2013, his sexuality entered public debate after his repeated arrests for soliciting prostitution from trans women.^[9][10][11] Challenged by his radio cohost Ebro Darden, he was partly secretive, but denied being gay.^[10][11] The controversy persisted until he acknowledged that while not seeking sex with trans women, he had sought activities such as oral sex.^[10][12]

Death

On April 10, 2024, Hot97 reported that LeBrun had died at the age of 57.^[3][6] The cause is currently unknown.

Credits: