Hip Hop Pays Tribute To David Bowie

Music, style and pop culture legend David Bowie has died. The 69-year old had been battling liver cancer for 18 months, but chose to keep his fight private.

Two days before his death, Bowie released the album Blackstar. According to its producer Tony Visconti, Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly was a big influence on Bowie when he was recording his 25th and final album.

This is what Visconti said about Bowie today:

He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was no different from his life – a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn't, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry.

What a honor, what a soul. David Bowie, Spirit of Gold. RIP.

— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) January 11, 2016

David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime.

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) January 11, 2016

I pray for his friends and family. — KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) January 11, 2016

He was 1of my 'HEROES'I just CANNOT believe it.. On the heels of his bday... His top notch album #RIPDavidBowie starman thin white duke

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) January 11, 2016

David Bowie was a true innovator, a true creative. May he rest in peace #RIPDavidBowie

— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) January 11, 2016

R.I.P. David Bowie https://t.co/TZmxhyVvGg — juicy j (@therealjuicyj) January 11, 2016

David Bowe now?!?! Damn. I have a funny story about him I'll tell someday. Terrible news. Condolences to his family

— IG: TechImmortal (@ImmortalTech) January 11, 2016

rest in peace David Bowie . — The Weeknd (@theweeknd) January 11, 2016

DAVID BOWIE

— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) January 11, 2016  

Rip David Bowie — FERG (@ASAPferg) January 11, 2016

R I P David Bowie

— Ty Dolla $ign (@tydollasign) January 11, 2016

was in a session when the news about Bowie broke. we watched "black star". the session was over. no point. — el-p (@therealelp) January 11, 2016

RIP to a musical genius who transcended all races with his music. From Buckingham Palace to Forrest Projects, all knew his songs #DavisBowie

— FAT JOE (@fatjoe) January 11, 2016

David Has Gone To Mars. Earth Thanks You #BowieChangedUs A photo posted by Questlove Gomez (@questlove) on Jan 10, 2016 at 11:05pm PST

Here's a list of some the Bowie samples that made it into Hip Hop.