R.I.P., Marcus "Arrilius" Hayes

Jeremy Pape

The local scene has suffered another tremendous loss this week with the passing of Marcus Hayes (aka Marcus Arrilius), one of the founding members of the emerging Welcome to the D.O.P.E. Game crew. Hayes, an esteemed father, husband, brother, friend, mentor, thinker, MC and visionary, passed away this past Friday. Although they're all still clearly reeling from the loss, Hayes's family and friends have issued an official statement, which we've pasted in its entirety below.

Before his passing, Hayes was working on a new project with David "Fat Traks" Williams titled The Mind of Marcus Arrilius and had completed eleven tracks. Fat Traks vows that he'll be finishing the project with the help of the D.O.P.E. (Don't Oppress Positive Energy) Game Crew. Never one to rap about materialism or delve into misogyny, Hayes produced music full of compelling narratives and social commentary that showcased his ill rhyme patterns.

"He was the first person to take my beats and transform them into a song," says Williams of his long time friend. "He would pick the beats out of my arsenal that every other artist would overlook. He definitely helped to make me a producer, instead of a beat maker, challenging me to produce music that I would have never thought of making."

Fat Trak

Other friends remember Hayes as funny and say that he had a laugh that was contagious, but they also note that he had a serious side that made him a great leader. He was quick to listen to opinions but was also assertive with his responses. Hayes is survived by his wife Joanna Nakamoto-Hayes and their two children, Justice and Brooklyn.

"Marcus was the other half of my soul, and the word husband doesn't even hint at what he did for me," says Joanna. "He was a soldier for his family and yet the sweetest person you'd ever met. Our kids are the bright and happy little people they are because of his devotion, love and commitment to them. He is my love, my laughter and heart....until the end of time."

No word yet on when and where services will be held, but keep an eye on this space for updates. In the meantime, keep reading for the official statement from the Welcome to the D.O.P.E. Game crew.