The internet is inundated with reports that artist DJ Mehdi has passed away in his native France, aged 34.
Up to now all of the rumours are uncorroborated, and no official statement has been released by DJ Mehdi’s management, but a French source has reported that the artist was involved in an accident last night at his home and died of his injuries.
Other online sources have intimated that the electro producer was involved in a fall from his roof with two other men, who were also injured in the accident but have survived. As yet the full details surrounding the incident are unknown.
Twitter has been jammed ever since the news surfaced, with stars and friends alike joining to pay their respects, including longtime friend Chromeo who collaborated with DJ Mehdi on the 2006 smash I Am Somebody. The duo posted the following eulogy on the micro-blogging website: “We lost our brother. No words.”
Rapper Drake paid his condolences to the multi-talented DJ saying: “Damn…RIP MEHDI.” And Example added his tribute saying: “RIP Mehdi. What a lovely fella he was.”
DJ Mehdi, real name Mehdi Favéris-Essadi, was one of France’s premiere hip hop producers, and released countless mixes which are now considered some of the best in the canon – he was a genuine innovator.
He collaborated extensively, working with the likes of Daft Punk, Cassius, Chromeo, Asian Dub Foundation and many more.
A full statement is expected later today from DJ Mehdi’s management, Ed Banger Records.
Words by Martin Higgins, at www.mhfreelance.co.uk