We Remember PH Pumpkinhead – Add Your Voice

The hip hop world, particularly the tight-knit, independent New York rap community that bubbles just underneath the shallow mainstream surface, is reeling from the loss of an enigmatic MC, and genuinely cool cat, Robert Diaz, better known to many as PH or Pumpkinhead. The battle rap champ and constant fixture in the New York underground, passed away due on June 9, due to causes still not fully disclosed.

Friends, fans and family members of Pumpkinhead took to social media to lament thew loss of a brother from another mother, while bandwagon media outlets, who rarely look at the New York underground scene, sought to add to their page views by reporting his death.

Despite this, the attention was welcomed by many of Diaz’ friends, family and colleagues, as well-deserved tribute to not only his skill on the mic, perhaps best exemplified on his project, Orange Moon Over Brooklyn, but also by the fact that PH was personable, approachable and supportive.

The stories I’ve seen and heard, extend far past whatever songs he might have released, or battles he might have won. The stories I’ve heard have been stories of influence and inspiration, stories of a man who not only mastered his craft, but was an inspiration to others attempting to do the same. Instead of a crabs-in-the-barrel approach that is so often associated with New York hip hop, Pumpkinhead instead taught, inspired and banded together with whoever he could, leaving a trail of positive memories and inspiring anecdotes.

We want to share THOSE stories.

For the next episode of our sister outlet, The NY Hip Hop Report with Manny Faces, we want to share YOUR stories about PH.

Friends, family, colleagues, anyone, please, take a moment to record a message about what Pumpkinhead meant to you, and we will play them during our June 14th episode, which will be dedicated to the cool cat from Brooklyn we knew as Pumpkinhead.

In the meantime, please take a moment to donate to the Robert Diaz memorial fund, the proceeds of which will go directly to Diaz’ family.

Leave you message via the widget below, and tune in to The NY Hip Hop Report LIVE Sunday night at 10pm to hear our dedication to PH and your messages aired.