Music Producer Howie Tee Dies at Age 61
Hitman Howie Tee, born Howard Thompson in London and raised in Brooklyn, was a trailblazing figure in the world of hip-hop and New Jack Swing. Thompson, who passed away on August 2, 2025 at the age of 61, was known for his influential work in shaping the sound of late 1980s and early 1990s rap music.
Thompson was born on February 2, 1964, to West Indian parents in London. He emigrated to the United States and was raised in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn. Thompson entered the music industry as a member of early 80s hip-hop act CDIII. He quickly rose to prominence as a producer, working with a host of top acts from the era, including Full Force, The Real Roxanne, Chubb Rock, Special Ed, Heavy D, Bell Biv Devoe, Color Me Badd, and Whistle.
Thompson's commercial high point was achieved during the early Nineties with the rise of New Jack Swing. He was Select Records' in-house producer and crafted influential tracks such as Special Ed's “I Got It Made” and Chubb Rock's “Treat 'Em Right.” He also produced hits for UTFO, The Real Roxanne, and Color Me Badd, successfully transitioning his style from early hip-hop into the genre's so-called "Golden Age."
Thompson's work with Color Me Badd exemplified his ability to cross musical genres, as he blended The Beatles and Ripple in his productions. After his success with Color Me Badd, Thompson eventually moved on to scoring commercials.
Questlove, the drummer and producer of The Roots, paid tribute to Thompson on social media, noting that he was a significant contributor to hip-hop's early development and was "such an unsung MONSTER of a producer." DJ Premier also paid tribute to Thompson on Instagram, suggesting that he had been ill for some time before his death. The cause of Thompson's death has not been reported.
Thompson's legacy in the music industry will undoubtedly continue to be felt for years to come. His innovative productions and ability to blend different genres of music made him a true pioneer in the world of hip-hop and New Jack Swing.
[1] Special Ed – "I Got It Made"
[2] Chubb Rock – "Treat 'Em Right"
[3] The Real Roxanne (notably linked with the track "Bang Zoom")
[4] UTFO
[5] Color Me Badd (notably known for the hit "I Wanna Sex You Up" and "All 4 Love")
- Hitman Howie Tee, renowned in the entertainment industry, was the mastermind behind Special Ed's chart-topping hit "I Got It Made," demonstrating his remarkable talent for shaping sound in the realms of hip-hop and pop-culture.
- In the same period, Thompson combined his musical skills with Chubb Rock, producing the popular track "Treat 'Em Right," further cementing his place as a pioneer in the creation of New Jack Swing.
- Additionally, Thompson collaborated with celebrities such as The Real Roxanne and UTFO, contributing to iconic songs like "Bang Zoom" and others, underscoring his influence on music's evolution during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
