The Atlanta music community is mourning the loss of a high-profile and highly regarded talent manager.
Claybourne Evans Jr., whose famous clients included rappers T.I. and Travis Scott and comedian Lil Duval, died Friday, according to an announcement by his family posted on his Instagram account. Evans reportedly suffered a massive stroke earlier this month. Neither the family nor his obituary listed a cause of death.
“He fought a good fight and transitioned peacefully surrounded by close family and friends on today, March 24, 2023,” his family said. “He lived an extraordinary life filled with Love, Hard Work, and Laughter. He touched many lives … Continue His Legacy.”
Clay Evans, 54, was CEO of Rubicon Brand Management and vice president of Grand Hustle Records. He was rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris’ road manager, and his other clients included JaySki, DJ MLK and comedian Erica Duchess.
Credit: Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com
Credit: Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com
Outpourings of respect came from such rap-world heavy hitters as Snoop Dogg, Big Boi, Pharrell Williams and Busta Rhymes.
Lil Duval posted a photo of Evans pushing him on stage in a wheelchair, apparently following the comedian’s collision with a car while four-wheeling last year. Lil Duval said he had told Evans he didn’t think he could perform anymore.
“And he said to me ‘oh you getting back on that stage even if its in a wheelchair and i gotta push you’,” Lil Duval’s Instagram post said, “and he did just that. As much of a legend and OG he was he still was humble enough to wait on me hand and foot when i was down.”
T.I. posted a video that showed him, Evans and other friends rapping and laughing in happier times.
“Never be another Us,” T.I. said, “& I’m aight wit that. I just thought we’d have more.”
A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will begin one hour before the service at the church, Stocks Funeral Home announced.
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