This news hit me hard. Pumpkinhead was a good man. His sense of humor is what I remember most - outside of the music - he had a hefty, caring laugh and was quick to exchange snaps. I guess that's why he found such a good home in battle rapping. Coming up in the NY underground scene, we crossed paths a lot in the early years, always exchanging pleasant hellos and goodbyes, but it wasn't until I found a home and a community at the world famous Fat Beats that we found time to have grown conversations and dig more into our personal lives, away from crowded venues and loud stages. He'll be missed, for certain, and I know so many of his friends and family will feel a loss that they will carry with them until they meet again. It's been humbling to see the public support and even the bigger publications covering his much-earned impact in the culture. I hope he felt that when he was here; too often we hold that love to ourselves, when it's meant to be shared. Rest In Peace, Pumpkinhead. PH. Robert Diaz ... our friend. In closing, a post from Talib Kweli saying, "Just finding out I lost a great friend today. RIP Robert Diaz AKA Pumpkinhead. Robert and I went to PS 282 together in Brooklyn, 4th grade. We then reconnected when he became an MC during the indie era of the late 90s. He signed to Makin Records, I signed to Rawkus. Then PH went on to reinvent himself again in the new battle rap era. He LOVED MCing and was great at it. To lose such a great human being so early in his life, man. No words. There is a fraternity of artists who were around for all of this. PH inspired us all. He will live on thru us even though his physical presence will be missed. RIP Robert Diaz." Click HERE to consider making a donation to help his family and honor his memory...