Pioneering Hip-Hop Producer Hitman Howie Tee Dies at 61

Brooklyn’s Hip-Hop community is mourning the loss of one of its foundational figures. Howard Thompson, known professionally as Hitman Howie Tee, has died at age 61. Details surrounding his passing have not been made public.

Born in England to Jamaican parents and raised in Brooklyn, Howie Tee became a quiet force behind some of the most influential tracks in late 1980s and early ’90s Hip-Hop and R&B. His production credits include genre-defining artists like Special Ed, Chubb Rock, The Real Roxanne, and U.T.F.O., names that shaped the sound and spirit of a new musical era.

Howie Tee’s career began as a DJ and member of the group CDIII, before he quickly transitioned to production, teaming up with U.T.F.O.’s Kangol Kid and guiding Whistle to a Billboard Top 20 hit with 1986’s “(Nothing Serious) Just Buggin’.”

But it was his collaborations with Chubb Rock and Special Ed, on songs like “I Got It Made” and “Treat ’Em Right”—that cemented his reputation as one of Hip-Hop’s most innovative producers.

In 1991, Howie Tee reached new heights with Color Me Badd’s “I Wanna Sex You Up,” a chart-topping hit featured on the New Jack City soundtrack. Throughout his career, he was praised for his technical mastery, creative vision, and humble approach, qualities that endeared him to artists and peers alike.

Many in the Hip-Hop community credit Howie Tee for opening doors and setting standards for generations of producers and DJs. Special Ed, who worked with him as a young artist, remembers Howie Tee as “one of the most generous and kind people that I know.

He gave me a chance when I was too young to take a chance in this industry…He was not just a producer, but a big brother and a mentor as well as an inspiration.”

Fellow producers and DJs echoed that sentiment. Pete Rock, himself a renowned producer, said, “He was a mentor to me since CDIII and opened up doors for new producers to shine. Thank you, Howie.”

DJ Wiz of Kid N’ Play called Howie Tee “one of the most influential DJ/producers of all time…His excellent song production created some of the most classic hits that stand the test of time.” Brooklyn legend DJ Scratch said, “Howie Tee was Brooklyn’s first hip-hop super producer…you cannot play a classic Hip Hop event without playing something produced by Howie Tee.”

Howie Tee’s impact goes far beyond his chart successes. He leaves behind a legacy of humility, innovation, and mentorship that helped shape Hip-Hop as we know it today.

He is survived by his family, friends, and the countless artists he inspired along the way.