Pam Warren, aka DJ Pam the Funkstress, has passed away following an organ transplant surgery, Mercury News reports.
Warren was a staple in the Bay Area hip-hop scene. She picked up the nickname “Purple Pam” through her association with the late Prince and was hired to DJ for his final tour, the Piano and a Microphone Tour, as well as some of his private parties. Pam was also a member of the politcallly charged and left-leaning Oakland hip-hop group The Coup. The group released their debut album Kill My Landlord in 1993. Warren is widely considered a tremendous talent who opened doors for female DJs in hip hop.
Back in November, Pam announced on Instagram that she would be canceling some upcoming shows due to unforeseen health issues.
In the following weeks, Pam’s friends and family, including The Coup’s Boots Riley, posted updates on her worsening condition. A GoFundMe page was launched to help raise money for her mounting medical expenses.
There has not yet been any official statement following her death, but there has been an outpouring of love and condolences on social media:
RIP.
