Matt Dike—the co-founder of Los Angeles-based record label Delicious Vinyl and producer behind multiple rap records—has died, the label’s site confirmed. According to the label, Dike passed away at his home in L.A. following a brief illness. He was 55. Dike and Mike Ross formed Delicious Vinyl in 1987. They championed hip-hop acts such as Tone Lōc, Master Rhyme, Young MC, the Pharcyde, and many others. Dike is credited in helping shape the sound of Beastie Boys’ 1989 classic Paul’s Boutique alongside production duo the Dust Brothers (Mike Simpson and John King).

Dike was born in West Nyack, New York, to a family of strict Jehovah’s Witnesses who—unsuccessfully—tried to ban bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath from the house. He became a lover of music, DJing parties while attending New York University. In the 1980s, he met fellow hip-hop aficionado Mike Ross while DJing at L.A.’s Rhythm Lounge club. By 1987, the duo founded the legendary independent hip-hop label Delicious Vinyl. “It didn’t sell shit,” Dike said of his later work with Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique. “But it got mind-blowing reviews, which I think is better for me in the long run.” Questlove showed his love for the late producer. “imo his crowning achievement was as one of the producers for one of THE greatest timeless hip hop albums ever #PaulsBoutique,” he said on Instagram.