24hourhiphop.com has learned that producer Disco D (born Dave
Shayman) committed suicide last night (January 23).

Sources close to the Ann Arbor, MI producer said that the beatmaker, who has
previously produced for 50 Cent (\”Ski Mak Way\”),
Trick Daddy (\”I Pop\”) and Kevin Federline (\”Popozao\”),
has committed suicide. While reports say D was battling manic depression, details
regarding his death are still sketchy.

The 27 year old Grammy-nominated producer had also worked with Nina
Sky and Pharrell Williams, crafted the original theme
song for “VH1’s Hip-Hop Honors” and commercials for Sprite, Best Buy
and Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Awards. He had been working with Lil’
Scrappy and Crime Mob among others, as of late. Benny
Blanco, who worked with D, confirmed the suicide, but declined to comment.
“We have no comment. We send our deepest condolences,” Benny said.
“He was loved and will be truly missed.”

DJ Vlad, a good friend of D, was shocked upon hearing the
news. “Disco D was a good friend of mine. I lived with him in Brazil for
a couple weeks. He was a real artist,” Vlad revealed. “I just talked
to him a few days ago, and he told me things were hard. I tried to cheer him
up. I didn’t realize how hard it really was. I’m devastated right now.”

Fans can log on to the producer’s MySpace page to send their regards.