DJ Devastate, a turntablist and producer known for working with several well-known Hip-Hop MCs and DJs, has passed away at the age of 35, per his friend and musical collaborator Matt Diamond. Born Per Ronge, Devastate, passed a day after he returned home to his native Sweeden from a DJ gig and radio appearance in London on Monday (March 12).

Devastate released his first instrumental LP, Movement/Silence on BBE Records (J Dilla, Pete Rock, DJ Spinna) in 2009. In the years since, he has worked with heavyweights such as Sean Price, C.L. Smooth, Masta Ace, Skyzoo, Planet Asia and El Da Sensei, among others. In 2012, Devastate, along with partner Jonas Hilmersson, launched his label Counterweight, which he used to help showcase the talents of DJ Create, Max I Million, DJ Connect and Fredrik Segerfalk, among others.

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“Dev was like a brother to me,” said Max I Million, per a statement after Dev’s passing. “Sometimes like an older brother, sometimes like a younger brother. His personality had a very wide spectrum, which was also reflected in his music and creative works. We met through music and we shared a mutual vision, which led to years of collaboration, but also a close friendship. We guided each other through hard times. We shared euphoric moments when performing on stage. Late nights just listening to music at full volume. We went places. Our last journey was going to London for a live performance and visiting a radio station. Those days were his last on this earth, and I’m so grateful to know how happy was to the very end. He was bursting with pure joy and inspiration throughout the trip. One day later he was gone. But he’ll live in the memory of everybody who had the pleasure of knowing him, or even just meeting him once or twice. He always made strong impressions on people. And the music will live forever.”

“We started this musical journey together my brother, I would never have expected to achieve the things that I have done if it wasn’t for you,” reflects DJ Connect. “Your music and talent was undeniable and you were a constant inspiration to me. I was always amazed by every beat coming out of your studio, constantly raising the bar. I miss you…can’t understand that you are not around anymore.”

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DJ Devastate was also heavily involved in Coalmine Records, which has released some pretty rare music over the years including a 2014 LP titled Unearthed. Alongside DJ Revolution (of The Wake Up Show fame) the project polished off some of Coalmine’s greatest cuts.

In the last week, the Hip-Hop community is mourning rapper Craig Mack, Wu-Tang affiliated singer Allah Real, and news of the passing of Delicious Vinyl Records co-founder and hit producer Matt Dike.

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Ambrosia For Heads extends condolences to the Counterweight and Coalmine Records families.