Sidney Brown, Grammy-Winning Producer for Beyoncé and Drake, Dies at 49

Sidney “Omen” Brown, the Harlem-born producer and DJ whose credits span Beyoncé, Drake, Ludacris and Usher, has died at 49.

Brown was found dead Sept. 13 in his East Harlem apartment by a family member who went to check on him after he missed a longstanding DJ set at Barawine Harlem, his mother said.

His family described the loss as a shock, noting he appeared healthy. “He was holistic and healthy…so this is all pretty sudden,” his sister, Nicole Iris Brown, said.

A sought-after sound across hip-hop and R&B

Known professionally as Omen, Brown came up in New York’s rap scene and affiliated with the Roc-A-Fella circle as his profile rose.

He earned producer, programmer, lyricist and composer credits on Beyoncé and Drake’s 2013 collaboration “Mine,” and worked with stars including Usher, Ludacris, Lil Wayne and Action Bronson.

Omen won a Grammy for producing “Tell It Like It Is” on Ludacris’ Release Therapy, which took home Best Rap Album at the 2007 ceremony.

Champion of the next generation

Beyond studio work, Brown was a fixture in New York nightlife, spinning regularly for more than a decade at Barawine Harlem. The venue paid tribute, saying he “brought his unique talent to all,” and extended condolences to his family, friends and fans.

His sister remembered him as a mentor who opened doors for emerging artists. “He was always big on helping younger people start their careers and get themselves into the game. It was about the music, no matter who the artist was.”

Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.