Grammy-winning producer Sidney “Omen” Brown’s cause of death has been revealed — six months after he was found dead inside his East Harlem apartment.
The 49-year-old hitmaker, who worked with Drake, Beyoncé and Lil Wayne, died from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the medical examiner confirmed to TMZ.
The manner of death was ruled natural.
Grammy-winning producer Sidney “Omen” Brown was found dead in his East Harlem apartment last September. Family Handout
The disease involves plaque buildup in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow, which can lead to heart attacks and other serious complications.
Brown was found inside his East Harlem apartment on Sept. 13, 2025, when a family member went to check on him.
Loved ones were alerted after staff grew concerned when he failed to show up for a scheduled DJ shift at Barawine Harlem on W 120th St., where he worked for more than a decade.
The hitmaker died at age 49 from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the medical examiner confirmed. @dinaregine/Instagram
At the time, the city’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner said his cause and manner of death were pending further study, leaving his family searching for answers.
His sister Nicole Iris Brown previously said the loss came as a shock, noting her brother appeared to be healthy and had no known illnesses.
“He was holistic and healthy. So we don’t know of him being sick, so this is all pretty sudden,” she told NBC News.
Brown was scheduled to DJ at Barawine Harlem on the night of his death. He worked there for more than a decade. stefano giovannini
“I hope people will remember that he was willing to help the younger generation. He was always big on helping younger people start their careers and get themselves into the game. It was about just the music, no matter who the artist was.”
The New York native had long been a fixture in both the music industry and the local nightlife scene.
Following news of his death, Barawine Harlem paid tribute to the producer, calling him a dear friend and praising the “unique talent” he brought over the years.
In 2013, Brown co-wrote and co-produced Beyoncé’s track “Mine,” which appeared on her self-titled album. WireImage
He also spent time working at Ethyl’s Bar & Restaurant, where he was remembered as a DJ who could get the dance floor jumping.
Brown first emerged in the 1990s, producing tracks for artists including Mýa and Fabolous, along with musicians affiliated with Roc-A-Fella Records.
His big break came in 2006 when he produced Ludacris’ track “Tell It Like It Is” from the album “Release Therapy.” The project earned him a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2007.
Brown also worked with Drake, co-producing his track “Shut It Down” from his debut 2010 album “Thank Me Later.” REUTERS
He went on to collaborate with some of the biggest names in music, co-producing Drake’s “Shut It Down” from the rapper’s debut album “Thank Me Later,” as well as Lil Wayne’s “I’m Single.”
In 2013, he co-wrote and co-produced Beyoncé’s track “Mine,” which featured Drake and appeared on her self-titled album.
Family and friends have remembered Brown not only for his music but for his willingness to mentor younger artists trying to break into the industry.
He is survived by loved ones who continue to mourn his sudden loss.