Pivot Gang producer Squeak has died.
The Chicago musician obtained his first laptop and a copy of Fruity Loops at SXSW in 2014, and promptly immersed himself in production.
Drawn into the orbit of Pivot Gang – the Saba spearheaded collective that features Joseph Chilliams, Frsh Waters, MFnMelo, and DaeDae – he became a much-loved figure in Chicago music.
Known for his warm personality and willingness towards sonic experimentation, Squeak – also stylised as squeakPIVOT – released a collaborative EP alongside MFnMelo earlier this year.
Reports from the United States indicate that Squeak died in a shooting overnight; he was 26 years old.
Tributes have come in from across the hip-hop pantheon.
RIP Squeak. Prayers out to his family and all of Pivot Gang. pic.twitter.com/6dYDkDWzz6
— (@StrappedHH) August 17, 2021
Squeak literally DJ’d my first solo event! He reached out to me and saw my flyer had no DJ and you reached out to me 2 days before and told me he’d do it. That meant the world to me I’m so sorry man I can’t believe this pic.twitter.com/HkDrSNY7lQ
— blacks only (@ho3micidee) August 17, 2021
God bless squeak and every one that loves him Great man
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) August 17, 2021
/blockquote>EVERY TIME I WAS IN THE PRESENCE OF SQUEAK IT WAS ALL LOVE
— WHAT THE FRICK GUYS? (@ShowYouSuck) August 17, 2021
Rest In Peace Squeak. Truly unbelievable. My heart goes out to PIVOT and anyone grieving right now. pic.twitter.com/HaOBb6MLQC
— msalisbu.eth (@msalisbu) August 17, 2021
