Music producer Sidney ‘Omen’ Brown’s death at 49 last fall was as result of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, medical examiners have revealed.
The Grammy-winner’s cause of death was classified by authorities as natural, according to records reviewed by TMZ.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is referred to as ASCVD, comes as a result of the accumulation of plaque in arterial walls, according to the American Heart Association.
Brown, who worked with artists such as Beyonce, Drake and Lil Wayne, was found dead in his Harlem apartment on September 13, 2025, his mother Martha Brown confirmed to the outlet at the time.
A relative discovered his body after employees at Barawine Harlem, the Manhattan wine bar where Brown worked, were alarmed when he failed to show up for his shift.
Brown’s big break in music came in 2006 when he produced Ludacris’ track Tell It Like It Is — a project that went on to snag the Grammy for Best Rap Album the following year.
Music producer Sidney ‘Omen’ Brown’s death at 49 last fall was a result of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, medical examiners have revealed. Pictured at Subrosa on August 21, 2015, in NYC
His career only soared from there, as he teamed up with Drake in 2010, co-producing the track Shut It Down on the rapper’s debut album Thank Me Later.
Three years later, he earned another major credit by co-writing and co-producing Beyonce’s Mine featuring Drake for her 2013 self-titled release.
Barawine Harlem confirmed the tragic news about Brown’s passing in a post on its social media last autumn.
It said: ‘It is with shock and deep sadness we have heard about the passing of our dear friend Omen Sidney Brown.
‘Omen was part of Barawine’s team for over a decade bringing his unique talent to all. There are not enough words to express our feelings. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family, his friends and all who love him.’
BMI at the time called Brown ‘a gifted and sought-after producer’ in a memorial, lauding his skills as a producer, programmer, lyricist and composer.
The music company added, ‘Sidney “Omen” Brown will be missed by his friends, fans and family at BMI.’
Over the course of his career, Omen collaborated with some of hip-hop and R&B’s biggest names — from Action Bronson and Fabolous to Memphis Bleek and Redman — cementing his place as a sought-after force behind the boards.
Brown, who worked with artists such as Beyonce , Drake and Lil Wayne , was found dead in his Harlem apartment on September 13, 2025. Pictured 2015 in NYC
Brown earned another major credit by co-writing and co-producing Beyonce’s Mine featuring Drake for her 2013 self-titled release. Pictured in Dubai in 2023
As word of Omen’s sudden death spread online, an outpouring of tributes from fans and industry peers flooded social media.
One fan wrote, ‘I can’t believe I’m writing this. RIP friend!’
Another posted, ‘We just talked not long ago, and now it feels surreal that you’re no longer here. I’ll always remember the way you lit up every conversation, your kindness, and the way you could make even the most ordinary moments feel special.
‘I’m grateful for every word, every laugh we shared. You’ll be missed more than words can express. Thank you for everything Omen.’
And one shared, ‘Thank you for your support, friendship, and advocacy.’
As word of Omen’s sudden death spread online, an outpouring of tributes from fans and industry peers flooded social media
Ethyl’s Bar & Restaurant in New York City — where Brown regularly spun as a DJ — honored him with a heartfelt message on Instagram.
‘Tonight! We learned of the passing of our longtime DJ, a Friend and Ethyl’s Family Member! @producedbyomen,’ the tribute opened. ‘We are beyond. Omen has been a major part of what made Ethyl’s beat from the very beginning!’
The venue went on to praise both his artistry and achievements: ‘Sidney ‘Omen’ Brown was not only a DJ who could get our Dance floor jumping.’
It added, ‘He was also a Grammy Award Winning Producer who worked with Beyonce, Lil’ Wayne and please take a minute to listen to the song attached ‘Tell It Like It Is’ which Omen helped write and produce for Ludacris!’
The post closed with a final note of grief, saying Omen will be ‘missed by us all.’
A Harlem native, Brown carved out his reputation in the late ’90s and early 2000s, landing credits with stars like Mýa, Fabolous, and a string of Roc-A-Fella artists, according to All Hip Hop.
