Hitman Howie Tee, Pioneering Hip-Hop Producer Dead At 61.

August 4, 2025

Hitman Howie Tee, a pioneering hip-hop producer known for his work with The Real Roxanne, Special Ed, Chubb Rock, among others, has died. He was 61 years old.

The producer, born Howard Thompson in England to Jamaican parents and raised in New York, died on Saturday (Aug 2) after ailing for sometime, according to reports. As of writing, a cause of death is unclear.

Thompson helped launched the career of Special Ed, producing all of the then rising rapper’s 1989 debut album, Youngest in Charge, which featured the iconic hit single, I Got it Made.

He’s also known for his collaborations with his first cousin Chubb Rock as well as UTFO and The Real Roxanne.

In 1991, he mixed and co-produced the Color Me Badd mega-hit, I Wanna Sex You Up, and in 1993 produced one of dancehall star Patra’s biggest songs, Romantic Call.

DJ Premier is among those who have paid tribute to Thompson on social media.

“His endless history from Full Force, The Real Roxanne, U.T.F.O., Chubb Rock, Sepcial Ed, Bell Biv Devoe, Color Me Badd, CDIII, Whistle and so many timeless hits he’ll never be forgotten for blessing us with soul in our Hip Hop Culture music in general and then some. I Love You Howie! May the universe welcome you with open arms King,” wrote DJ Premier.

RIP Hitman Howie Tee.

born in London to Jamaican parents and raised in Brooklyn, he was a pioneering DJ and producer who helped shape the sound of 80s and early 90s hip-hop.

classic records with Special Ed, Chubb Rock, Whistle, Heavy D, and Crash Crew.

massive hits with Color… pic.twitter.com/HYEZXZ7xxu

— Pack Pistol Pazzy (سيف الله) (@vinnie_paz) August 3, 2025