Music community mourns the death of Pumpkinhead

New York City indie-rapper Robert Diaz, known as Pumpkinhead, passed away yesterday, June 9 at 39 years old. The cause of death is unknown at this time. He’s survived by his two sons and his wife, who is pregnant with their first daughter.

A resident of Park Slope, he is known for his collaborations with Talib Kweli, Murs, Del the Funky Homosapien, among others. Many took to social media last night and this morning to express their sadness and shock over his death:

Just finding out I lost a great friend today. RIP Robert Diaz AKA Pumpkinhead. Robert and I went to PS 282 together in Brooklyn, 4th grade. We then reconnected when he became an MC during the indie era of the late 90s. He signed to Makin Records, I signed to Rawkus. Then PH went on to reinvent himself again in the new battle rap era. He LOVED MCing and was great at it. To lose such a great human being so early in his life, man. No words. There is a fraternity of artists who were around for all of this. PH inspired us all. He will live on thru us even though his physical presence will be missed. RIP Robert Diaz.

A photo posted by Talib Kweli (@talibkweli) on Jun 9, 2015 at 9:51am PDT

Full post on Facebook.com/techimmortal I miss you my old friend. Legends never die. You will always be alive in my heart old friend and we will be here for your family. Rest in Power. Robert Diaz. Love you fam. #Pumpkinhead #PH #RipRobertDiaz #Brooklyn

A photo posted by Immortal Technique (@techimmortal) on Jun 9, 2015 at 12:22pm PDT

Everybody that knew PH loved that dude. And I’m not just saying that cuz he passed away. Thats the TRUTH. RIP Robert Diaz AKA Pumpkinhead.

— R.A. the Rugged Man (@RAtheRuggedMan) June 9, 2015

RIP to my man PH aka Pumpkin Head. Dope NYC rap ambassador who left us too soon. Prayers for his family #RIPPH #RIPPUMPKINHEAD ?

— Skyzoo (@skyzoo) June 10, 2015

R.I.P. To a comrade, fellow Emcee, Father and just overall Great Person PH aka Pumpkin Head. May Your Soul Rest in Peace! #PHLivesOn Your Greatness will continue Good Brother! @ph_teamhomi

A photo posted by John Robinson (@whoisjr) on Jun 9, 2015 at 4:05pm PDT