The mourning continues for extraordinary Brooklyn rap lyricist Robert "Pumpkinhead" Diaz, who had unexpectedly passed away in June 2015 at age 39.
To honor him, a posthumously released video for "3rd Stone Blues" featuring PH's longtime friend Chordz Cordero, Trademark Massey, and Pumpkinhead's family was released for what would have been Diaz's 41st birthday today, Saturday, Sept. 17. The song also features a verse by the late rapper.
In the "3rd Stone Blues" tribute video above, you can see an image of Pumpkinhead's face superimposed over several family members and friends in the street and in a recording studio.
This is an addition to Pumpkinhead getting recognition from the Community Board 6 transportation committee in New York City in the wake of his death. Back in April, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio declared at City Hall that a street would be renamed "Robert 'PH' Diaz Way" at the corner of the DeGraw & 5th Avenue in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn where Diaz was from. Here's a clip of that ceremony below.
Pumpkinhead was often revered for his witty, hilarious punchlines, raucous personality on record and in the battle rap arena. He was a highly respected community activist as well.
The MC was a pillar in the underground battle rap scene during the late 1990s and early 2000s, from his days competing in theEnd of the Weak, Braggin' Rites, Blaze Magazine rap battles, making music with his underground collective Brooklyn Academy, to Pumpkinhead's seminal 2005 album Orange Moon Over Brooklyn.
In 1997, he gained acclaim with his breakout single "Dynamic," and was also a frequent guest on other albums from fellow Brooklyn underground rap legends including Jean Grae's The Bootleg of the Bootleg and Immortal Technique's Revolutionary Vol. 1 and 2.