Beyoncé and Drake producer Sidney ‘Omen’ Brown dies at 49 in New York City

Sidney ‘Omen’ Brown

Sidney “Omen” Brown, the Grammy-winning producer behind tracks for Beyoncé, Drake, and Lil Wayne, has died at the age of 49. His mother, Martha Brown, confirmed the news to TMZ, saying a family member found him inside his Harlem apartment after he failed to show up for work.

The cause of death has not been revealed.

Remembering Omen’s Legacy

Sidney first made waves in the late ’90s and early 2000s, producing for artists like Mýa, Fabolous, and several Roc-A-Fella names. His breakthrough came with Ludacris’ Release Therapy in 2006. The track “Tell It Like It Is” earned Ludacris a Grammy for Best Rap Album, a milestone that also cemented Sidney’s place in the industry.

He later co-produced Drake’s “Shut It Down” on Thank Me Later (2010) and co-wrote Beyoncé’s “Mine” featuring Drake in 2013. For fans of hip-hop and R&B, Sidney’s name was quietly stamped on songs that defined an era.

Tributes Pour In

The news hit hard in Harlem, where Sidney wasn’t just a producer but also a beloved DJ. Barawine Harlem, where he worked for over a decade, posted a moving tribute:

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“It is with shock and deep sadness we have heard about the passing of our dear friend Omen Sidney Brown. Omen was part of Barawine's team for over a decade bringing his unique talent to all.”
Ethyl’s Bar & Restaurant, another spot where Sidney regularly DJed, remembered him as more than just a music figure.

“Sidney ‘Omen’ Brown was not only a DJ who could get our dance floor jumping, but he was also a Grammy Award-winning producer… Omen has been a major part of what made Ethyl's beat from the very beginning.”

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An Irreplaceable Presence

For Harlem, Sidney was more than a Grammy winner. He was the guy behind the booth, the familiar face at the bar, and the producer whose beats carried through some of hip-hop’s biggest names. His passing leaves a silence that fans and friends alike will feel for a long time.