Beyoncé and Drake Producer Sidney “Omen” Brown Found Dead at 49
Sidney “Omen” Brown, a Grammy-winning producer known for his work with Beyoncé, Drake, Lil Wayne, and others, has died at the age of 49.
Details of His Passing
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Brown was discovered in his East Harlem apartment on September 13, 2025.
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The discovery came after concern arose when he failed to show up for a scheduled DJ shift at Barawine Harlem, where he had worked for over a decade.
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His sister, Nicole Iris Brown, described his death as completely unexpected, saying he was “holistic and healthy,” with no known illness.
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As of now, the cause and manner of death remain under investigation by the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Career Highlights
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Brown first emerged in the music scene in the 1990s and early 2000s, producing for artists like Mýa, Fabolous, and rising Roc-A-Fella acts.
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His breakthrough came in 2006 with the Ludacris track “Tell It Like It Is” from Release Therapy, which contributed to the album’s Grammy win for Best Rap Album in 2007.
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He later co-produced “Shut It Down” on Drake’s 2010 album Thank Me Later and co-wrote/co-produced Beyoncé’s track “Mine” (featuring Drake) from her 2013 self-titled album.
Legacy & Community Response
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Brown was known not just for his production credits but also for his long involvement in the NYC music community (including DJing) and mentorship of younger artists.
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Venues he worked with, including Barawine Harlem, released tributes expressing shock and deep sadness.
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His family, especially his sister, hopes that people remember him for his willingness to help others break into the music business, regardless of fame.
What’s Still Unknown
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The specific cause of death has not yet been made public.
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Details on what led to his sudden decline, if any, are still to emerge.
Sidney “Omen” Brown leaves behind a body of work that touched many in the hip-hop and R&B world, as well as a reputation as a mentor and community figure. His unexpected death marks the end of a career that had both commercial success and deep roots in New York’s music culture.
