Matt Dike’s death was announced on Tuesday via the label he co-founded, Delicious Vinyl, produced or co-produced some of the biggest rap hits to come out of the West Coast in the late 1980’s, including Tone Loc’s “Wild Thing” and Young MC’s “Bust a Move.” Dike was a key figure in the creation of the Beastie Boys’ seminal 1989 album, “Paul’s Boutique,” and helped define the sample-heavy mash-up style that connected rap, punk, arena rock, pop and disco.
Dike at various points in his life was artist Jean-Michel Basquiat’s roommate. Dike’s death, which was confirmed by Dike’s brother Lane, occurred in mid-January and followed a battle with salivary gland cancer. He was 56.
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