April 2, 2026 — By Rebecca Cohen
Sidney “Omen” Brown, the acclaimed music producer who worked with artists including Ludacris, Drake and Beyoncé, died from a heart complication after he was found in his New York City apartment in September, the New York City Medical Examiner’s office said. He was 49.
Medical examiner’s findings
The medical examiner determined Brown’s cause of death was atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The manner of death was ruled natural. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is associated with plaque buildup in the arteries and can encompass coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease and related conditions.
Family reaction and memorials
Brown was discovered in his East Harlem apartment after he missed a DJ engagement at Barawine Harlem, prompting family members to check on him. His sister, Nicole Iris Brown, 43, said the family had viewed her brother as “holistic and healthy,” calling his passing “sudden.”
After the medical examiner released the autopsy results, Nicole Iris Brown said she felt “kind of happy” to have closure while remaining sorrowful that he is gone. She and their mother, Martha Brown, said they were relieved to know there was no indication of foul play.
The family has held multiple celebration-of-life events at venues where Brown worked as a DJ and plans another event on his birthday in August. Nicole Iris Brown said her brother “loved music and the arts and mentoring and helping people” and is “sorely missed” by friends and colleagues.
Career and legacy
Brown built a reputation in the music industry as a producer and DJ, collaborating with prominent performers including Ludacris, Drake and Beyoncé. He was known both for his studio work and for his involvement in the local music community.
Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
Image Referance: https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/sidney-omen-browns-cause-death-revealed-producer-found-dead-new-york-c-rcna266352