PW Senior A&E editor Kate Kilpatrick just sent me a story from AllHipHop.com, a site she visits regularly (because she's cool) and I visit rarely (because I'm not). The story is about turntable prodigy/hip-hop producer Disco D, aka David Shayman, who killed himself a couple days ago at the age of 27.

He was recently diagnosed as bipolar disorder, the article says. His list of accomplishments in his short life was so incredible. So much success at such a young age ... he was just amazing.

First he was a successful DJ on the Detroit/Ann Arbor club scene. He produced 50 Cent's "The Ski Mask Way," Nina Sky's "Turnin' Me On" and Kevin Federline's single "Papazao." And says, AllHipHop, he also "wrote music for commercials (Best Buy, Sprite) and awards shows (VH1's Hip Hop Honors, Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards). He had recently launched a Brazilian urban label called Gringo Louco which counted rap group Braza as artists on the label."

He was also finalizing negotiations for a track on Chamillionaire's upcoming new CD. Details featured an article about him in 1998, predicting great things. He fulfilled that promise, and more.

DJ Strong is quoted in the AllHipHop article: "I can't believe this has happened to such a high-energy forward moving person. He had so much to look to in the future."

Disco D's death is another reminder of the unknowability of other people's pain. He must have been hiding so much, and struggling so hard. David, I hope wherever you are, you feel some relief. You will be dearly missed, but you left your mark. You will always be remembered.

Upcoming Producer Disco D Commits Suicide, Friends React

URB obit

Services for David Shayman tomorrow at 11 a.m. at Temple Beth Emeth, 2309 Packard Road in Ann Arbor, Mich.