Producer Kevin “Kyze” Ravenell passed away yesterday morning in New York City after losing his two-year battle with prostate cancer.

Kyze made his name in the Hip Hop industry with production for Noreaga, earning one of his first big placements with “Half Baked” off N.O.R.E.’s 1999 album Melvin Flynt – Da Hustler. He lent his beatmaking skills to John Sportin’s “10G’s,” and was recently working with artist Nikki Smith.

He also most recently produced N.O.R.E.’s “I Understand” and “Bottles Go Bang. R.I.P.