Hip-hop journalist and podcaster Reggie Ossé, better known as Combat Jack, has died after months of fighting colon cancer. He was 53.
The details for Ossé's memorial service were made public on Saturday. A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 28 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Frank R. Bell Funeral Home, located at 536 Sterling Place in Brooklyn, New York. The official memorial service will be held the same day, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the New York Cultural Center's Soka Gakkai International in New York, New York.
In October, Ossé explained why he didn’t appear on “The Return of Redman & Just Blaze” episode of The Combat Jack Show. Before the episode started, he shared that he was diagnosed with colon cancer and had to undergo a major surgery.
“A couple weeks ago I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I was rushed to the hospital. I had some severe surgery. I’m on the mend right now,” he said. “I’m about to jump on the journey to health with chemo. I’ll probably do some live alternative health as well so I don’t get caught up in that. I say that to say, take care of your health.”
AKing made the initial announcement about Ossé’s health in a press release:
For Immediate Release From @Combat_Jack: pic.twitter.com/3QrbJEIVtH
The first post he shared during his chemotherapy was a message from LL Cool J telling him to knock out cancer.
About a month later, Ossé provided an update on his condition, writing, “Today I’m still on the mend. Walking is tough bc I lose my breath. But it’s a process. Lost all my weight and muscle. Still, wanted to let y’all know the progress and my focus to #CombatCancer. Thank you All for your endless support!”
In December, he shared another progress update. "Blood work feeling soooooo refreshing. #CombatCancer," he wrote.
Earlier this week, Premium Pete tweeted that he was heavily thinking of Ossé. He and Ossé co-hosted The Combat Jack Show before starting his own podcast.
I appreciate all the bornday love and blessings 🙏🏽🎂 but on this day I’m heavily thinking of my brother @Combat_Jack I love you Reggie you’ve always been a big brother to me. We done so much together and all I want is GOD to do so much for you. Your loved just know that 🌹❤️ pic.twitter.com/WZlbw5jIg0
Upon hearing the news of Ossé’s death, fans and members of the hip-hop industry praised him for his contributions.
Hip Hop has lost one of its most important historians and voices... we had serious ups and downs but I was so happy we had made things good... Rest In Peace to my friend Combat Jack....
reggie osse was one of the smartest and most helpful ppl i met in this game. he was my listener and i was his. and i hate to know he’s gone. r.i.p., @combat_jack.
Heartbreaking. RIP Reggie "Combat Jack" Osse. Great man, storyteller and leader. Your contributions to hip hop will never ever be forgotten. Ultimate salute. pic.twitter.com/McK0F9TvYp
Damn. Rest In Peace Combat Jack. Combat was a living history book for hip hop and was always down to share that information. More importantly, he was kind. We need more of that. And his presence will be missed deeply, but he’ll never be absent.
My heart is broken. Combat Jack was one of the kindest, most incredible people I knew. I tried to hire him 10x over the years, but he was smart enough to keep building his own empire. I loved that dude...I will really miss him. Thanks Reggie for your mentorship + friendship. RIP pic.twitter.com/XhWv7YaLEh
Rest In Peace to Reggie Ossé; a real friend and a constant inspiration. Love you forever Combat Jack!
Can't understate Combat Jack's impact. A very sharp dude who pioneered this rap podcast shit. RIP.
Mannn @Combat_Jack was a PIONEER for hip-hop podcasters everywhere. A true voice for the culture when our voices weren’t heard. Words can’t describe how much we’ll miss him and the @CombatJackShow.
I broke down on the train hearing the news about Combat Jack. He’s been a friend and a supporter for years. A guiding light for many. One of the nicest and most genuine people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. This fucking hurts. Fuck cancer.
RIP Combat Jack, who let us into his family and onto his podcast, who brought donuts to our apartment and carried stories for days. He left the Lil B show screaming "swag!" and saying he'd seen the future. A great laugh, a great mind, a great friend and a better man.
Speechless, Rest Peacefully @Combat_Jack pic.twitter.com/Hm6G9FnrtR
RIP to Combat Jack. I don't have the words. Yet. Gonna go take a walk.
When you can physically feel the impact someone has on the culture, you know it’s real. Combat’s aura & words resonated across generations of hip-hop, especially in the podcast game. If you had one conversation with him, you were better because of it. Rest well, @Combat_Jack 🙏🏽
RIP Combat Jack. No words suffice to capture the multitudes he possessed. A rap encyclopedia who could spin stories about both Bronx block parties & the Paradise Garage. A brilliant interviewer & attorney. A kind gentle soul who understood & cared about the culture like no other.
At a loss for words. Rest In Peace to Combat Jack, one of the most incredible individuals I’ve ever known
Action Bronson, Alchemist, and other artists paid their respects to Ossé as well.
DAMN MAN REST IN PEACE TO MY BROTHER @Combat_Jack ONE OF THE FIRST PEOPLE TO EVER EMBRACE ME IN THIS WHOLE SHIT. MY HEART IS HEAVY MAN FUCK. LOVE ALWAYS.
Hip Hop lost a major voice today. RIP Combat Jack 🙏🏼
Rest in peace Combat Jack.
RIP Combat Jack, always supportive, genuine and kind
OMG. 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹 RIP @Combat_Jack ......... no fucking way. pic.twitter.com/ETpjaKrGqr
Ossé's last post on Instagram was a tribute to Brooklyn-based entertainment attorney Ed Woods, whose client roster included Diddy, Usher, Allen Iverson, DMX, Stephanie Mills, Jay Z, and Kelly Price.
Ossé’s career included a stint as a hip-hop music attorney and executive and the former managing editor of The Source before building his own brand with The Combat Jack Show. For Complex, Ossé hosted his own version of his podcast for television, a weekly 12-episode series that launched in April 2013.
