Pitchfork

David Shayman, aka up-and-coming hip hop producer, remixer, Ghettotech proliferator (and rumored coiner of the genre's name) Disco D, committed suicide earlier today at age 27, according to MTV.com. Shayman was best known for "Ski Mask Way", his collaboration with 50 Cent on 2005's The Massacre, though he also produced tracks by Trick Daddy, AZ, Lil' Scrappy, and Nina Sky.

UPDATE: Sam Valenti IV, owner of the Ghostly International label, and a friend of Disco D, said the following about Shayman, "Those who knew Dave know he was a once-in-a-lifetime person with an electric and captivating personality. He was a friend without equal, who was selfless with himself and his counsel, consistently living up to his mantra, 'the only thing you can't make more of is time.' He was a relentlessly creative, passionate and ambitious artist whose passion for music illuminated everything he touched."

According to Valenti, Shayman's parents encourage those wishing to honor Disco D's memory make donations to the Neutral Zone, "an Ann Arbor teen center that offers many programs including some related to music and electronic music production." Donations can be made via Paypal here or by calling 734-214-9995.

Valenti adds, "David wanted to help young musicians and producers perfect their craft, as shown by his creation of his message board (www.discod.com/theboards/index.php)."

Also, "Anyone who wants to share any memories, photos or thought about Dave can also send them to fordiscod@ghostly.com"

A memorial service for Shayman will be held on January 25 at 11 a.m. at Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor.

Shayman was born in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan when he was six years old. His proximity to Detroit and the rave scene there inspired the Disco D moniker in November of 1996. After signing his first record contract at 17, Shayman formed his own label, GTI Recordings, just two years later. In addition to graduating with honors from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business (after which he moved to New York City), Shayman was responsible for official remixes of Pharrell, Crime Mob, and Shiny Toy Guns. His other remixees include Usher, Christina Milian, B.G., 8Ball & MJG, Da Brat, and Lords of Acid.

His website boasts that Shayman ran companies with functions that ranged from artist development/A&R to the "import/export of unique products from Brazil," but Shayman's most recent endeavor focused on Brazilian music. He founded the Gringo Louco label and signed BRAZA, whose "Son Do BRAZA" single he produced.

Shayman's own releases include 2001's Straight Out Tha Trunk and 2003's A Night at the Booty Bar (on Tommy Boy). In the bio on his website, he describes his music modus operandi as follows: "Before Disco D was even born, I was a fan of all types of different stuff, from the Beatles and Donna Summer to Charlie Parker and John Coltrane to N.W.A and 2 Live Crew to Pantera, Primus, and GWAR. I didn't have any sort of preconceptions about genres, I just was into what impacted me emotionally."

Though no specific information surrounding Shayman's suicide is available, according to MTV he was bipolar and suffered from depression.

Valenti added, "Dave believed that sharing one's own problems and being open about his mental health was a way to help others. His courage, unrivaled passion, and his consistent dedication to his craft will never be forgotten.

"Personally, Dave was an inspiration and a mentor to me. No one worked harder or wanted to seize life more than him. His guidance, friendship and patience are immeasurable. His family, friends, fans and I are completely devastated by our loss of this amazing man.

It is estimated nearly thirty percent of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder will attempt suicide at least once in their lives. The suicide rate is twenty times that of the general population. Depression and Bipolar disorder are diseases, not states of mind or inabilities to correct one's mood. I've never known anyone as positive or as hopeful as Dave, his passing is a reminder that mental health is as real and deadly as anything that we more commonly consider to be physical ailments."