Last night, my man Chris Thurston, a.k.a. Jax of the Atlanta indie rap group Binkis, passed out on stage during a show during his second verse of a song. The Queens, NY native was rushed to the hospital, and pronounced deceased some hours later due to cardiac arrest. He was 32.
I met the brother back around 2000. Cognito from ATL’s group Mass Influence hit me with the Binkis demo, and I wound up putting out their first 12″ wax single on my old Fruitmeat label in 2001. “Beat Your Head” was a WKCR “CM Famalam Radio Program” listener favorite when I’d play it as an unsigned song, so I was happy to help them get their music out internationally by putting it in stores.
More recently, Jax and Binkis member Flux where collabing with DJ Sucio Smash, still making music and doing shows. I last saw Jax in December ‘07 at DJ Mafiosa’s crib, full of life and bugging out as usual. Anytime I was in ATL, he and I would always get together for a bowl of spaghetti and kick it.
(L-R) Jax’s fiancee Lisa, Jax, DJ Mafiosa, Señor Kaos, Fereshteh, Flux, and Kimi.
He was about to get married to his girl Lisa next week. My prayers go out to his whole family, and to Flux, please keep rhyming my brother.
Love,
Bob
Check Cognito’s Frolab.com for more info and photos.
November 4th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
ali says:
condolences to the family, friends and loved ones. you never know when it’s time to go. very sad. may everyone affected have peace and blessings. i’ll keep all of those in jax’s circle in my prayers.
November 4th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
John Robinson aka Lil Sci says:
Wow! Huge lost to the world right here! Life is sooo short on this physical plane. Definitely was fortunate enough to know this brother work with him and share plenty of laughs with this GUY!! Big ups BOB! for helping so many of us shine in the early stages of our careers brother! I can’t thanks u enough ever…
We will remember Jax and his greatness! Shine on em’
Always Bless
John Robinson
November 4th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Senor Kaos says:
We’re all still in shock down here in ATL, nobody can believe this is True! Just seems so un-real.
HUGE Loss to the ATL Hip Hop Community, as well as Hip Hop period. Jax was one of a kind, never met a brother as compassionate and funny as this guy.
Bob he was huge fan of your radio show, and you supporting his music was a Career Highlight for him.
Im fortunate enough to have known this man for some years, and I can truly say being around him made me a better artist and furthermore a better person.
J.F.K. – Jax Forever King
November 4th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Sal says:
No way Bob… First and foremost RIP Jax and peace to everyone in the Binkis Reks crew, Flux, Killa Kalm, who are all nice on the mic.
I got that first night you played “Beat you in the head” on tape. Always continued to pick up their music when I could. “Binkis Island”, “Bloodtype MC” you wont find that on the net. Great music, period!
Ya mamma………Ya mamma……….. That was the funniest eva.
RIP JAX
Sal in BK
November 4th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Relm says:
I’am in a state of shock. Jax was so underated the whole binkis fam are for that matter. I remember hearing the 89 tek 9 promo (feat Jax & Flux) and hunting for many years to find out who these cats where as the recording i had on tape was awful sound quality and finding binkis recs was a major hassle in england. I never gave up and i’am glad i pursued as in my opinon Jax and the binkis fam released some of the most fun and innovative music i had heard in a long time. Thank you JAX, KILLA KALM, FLUX.
The Reign Continues
Forever Jax RIP
November 4th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
dlight says:
As one of the fam representin’ NY ’til we die…thanks for the love and support shown to the family at this time. Chris did not share his passion with the fam like he shared with you guys. Sounds like yall became home away from home and fam away from fam. Thanks for the love and holla if you knew him.
November 4th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Peter Robert Casey says:
RIP… Really sorry to hear that.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:24 am
DjMafiloko says:
fam I just read the above this entry.. you are right on the money fam.. I met Chris and Craig at the AUC finishing up college and later at Dramas crib choppin it up on music.. and you are absolutely right we really did make our own family down here..We fed each other supported each other recorded each other and did everything we could do in our power to make our voices heard. When the masses were geeking on two dope boys and a cadillac we were laying down bricks to the ATL scene along with many others….it was a movement that wasnt necessarily started by us but the torch was put in our hands and we felt obligated to keep it movin… It was never nothing that we meant to keep away from our real fam. just peep I have family in GA right now that dont even know im a dj.. me and chris were similar in not revealing alot to many/ we just did our thing cause we loved to do what we did best…. As a member of Binkis I was always thinking early on that they was gonna up and leave ATL to go back to NY.. they loved NY. And they always went up like me but always settled back in the ATL pocket to make a change or at least a wave in the dynamic of the scene…. we started something down here that we felt honored and obliged to participate in.. and that fire kept us going. i hate the types of talks we had as a group looking back now at this moment during these times cause we would say silly stuff like … oh yeah we gonna be on some Buena Vista Social Club type ish cause by the time we really hit we gonna be like 80…but at the end of all our days we were content making some real shit and performing for peanuts cause we was doing it from the heart and having fun with hip hop …and any fans that we talked to or corresponded with were real too and made every drop of effort we put in worth it 100 fold… As a dj the dope shit for me is playing ooooold asss binkis records in the new age the present and it knocking people back now in this day as much if not more cause its timeless.. that gives me all the payback i could ever need or want… We were like the Funky Four – 1 bringing real hip hop elements back into the mix..mcs and dj thats its two turntabes and a mic simple plain but unique and diverse…. And just like last night when jax did his thang it was a common theme whether it was a big venue or small club 2 ppl or 15k we rocked it with intensity… Jax was the leader the visionary that led us to this hip hop glory.. pour some out.. remeber the name keep checkn for more Binkis and keep your eye out for the next Jax that you can appreciate while they are livin cause they out there…. Mural pics will be up soon.. done by MadCloutATLMIA… Mucho Mas Music coming soon … Peace Jax say whats up to Dj OX for me…Thanks tio for ebryting dinna soon.. it wanst the last suppa…
November 5th, 2008 at 9:19 am
illest says:
wow just wow. our brothers just keep leaving us. its very very scary. and its not like its cats in their 60s or 70s. its cats in our demographic like mid 30s to mid 40s. my prayers go out to his family.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:43 am
CasUno says:
Wow….
Wow…..
Wow……
Rest in Peace, Chris.
“Jax The Ripper” was about to shred heads too….
Respect and prayers go out to his close friends and fam.
This…was the last thing I thought I’d read today.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love says:
shout out to sucio smash, mazzi, and lil’ sci who showed ridiculous love to jax at the knitting factory showcase. everyone keep your heads up.
love
November 6th, 2008 at 2:25 am
Seldom Seen says:
Sorry to hear about the loss of his life…may he RIP and his spirit, energy and love live on in all who knew him
November 6th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Cruen Thurston says:
Thank you all for your kind words and sympathy. From Chris’ A.K.A. Jax’ family we greatly appreciate the love shown for my BROTHER. If anyone can send me pictures of my brother performing or copies of his work (I am going to get with FLUX and Killa Kalm for the originals, but they may want to keep for themselves) I would greatly appreciate any photos or cartoon drawings. Please send to awtacontrol@yahoo.com
November 6th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Kam Moye aka Supastition says:
He was an incredible person and always a pleasure to be around. I was a Binkis fan ever since our mutual friend J-Scienide introduced me to their music. They had so much energy and had that gritty NY sound that is missed today in music. I’m still in shock by it but I know he passed away doing what he loved. My condolences go out to Jax, his wife Lisa, Binkis, and his entire fam. I will definitely be attending the benefit show in Atlanta on Saturday
Rest in peace Jax
Kam Moye (Supastition)
November 7th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
craig rip says:
I only knew Jax from email/ phone conversations, so I can;t pretend I’m as affected by this as his close fiends and fam. I knew I had to connect with the brother after hearing his stuff through Day by Day back in ‘03. Never got to meet him in the flesh, but I’m glad I had the opportunity with work with him on a musical level. I wish we could have done more stuff together. Just from speaking with him over email/ phone, and through his music I knew he was a very down to earth, very funky, personable and was true to his word. The world will miss him for sure, he’s touched alot of people through his music, and his legacy won’t die. Jax forever.
November 12th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Jax Mother says:
Thanks to all of those who knew and loved Chris “Jax”. Without God’s help, I could not endure the loss of my son. Chris was a wonderful and loving son. We were friends as well as mother and son. I am sure that God will restore Chris’ life.
November 12th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Lisa says:
I would lke to say THANK YOU to everyone who has gave me a hug, a shoulder to cry on or even positive words!! I can truly say that I am doing wonderFul!!! I believe that Chris’ spirit and energy is flowing through me right now!! He refuse to let me be sad or mad about him not being here physically. He has been waking up with me every morning, giving me advice, and allowing me to have sweet dreams. Bob-Chris LOVEDLOVEDLOVED U!!! He wanted to make “Bobbito For President” shirts!! Having your blessing in this music business gave him that extra drive to strive to do better. One thing he has never done was to drop your name, Phife’s, or even Drama to put him on to “bigger and better” things. He wanted to do it on his own. Hip-Hop has lost a soldier!! A humble man!! Perfect example of LOYALTY!! His music will be continue to beat you in your head, if you allow his energy to live on!! He made me his wife on 10/17/2008!! I only had him for two weeks as my husband, but those two weeks i was and still his wife!! THANKS TO EVERYBODY!!! Let this be a lesson learned-the good die young!! Stop trying to be hard and let the next man know how you feel about them!!
PEACE AND BLESSINGS
Lisa Watts-Thurston “Ms. JAX”
Jax Forever (my)King
November 15th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Teria (Twin) says:
Lisa, even though i never got a chance to met Chris in person, i knew him through all the stories you told at work……i just want you to know that i am only a phone call, text, IM, email away if you just need to talk about nothing or talk about anything…….i wish i could be there today but know that my prayers are with you.
luv ya,
twin
November 15th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Tony says:
Crossed paths several times when I was in school at Clark Atlanta 94-98. Didn’t know him well but he was always cool and definitely had love for the music. Well respected by many. I know this because we had several common friends. Peace and blessings to his FAM. Respect.
Tony Jones
East of the River, Washington, D.C.
November 17th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
DJ A-Wonn says:
Wow this is such a shock, it was like yesterday the man was on Squeeze Radio…Much love to Bob and Sucio for putting this brother on.
R.I.P Jax, aka The Axe Handler
June 7th, 2009 at 3:35 am
dj Mafioso says:
There will never be another he is my brother from another mother!! Buford hwy Binkis Bombers Kid..Tio what up..
August 8th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
MAC says:
I knew him in high school. We were good friends, but I lost touch with everyone. One day I decide to sit at my computer and do some random searches of people I used to know. People I knew well. I wasn’t friends with Craig, but he was in many of my classes. Upon seeing what Mr. Singleton has been up to these past 15 years, I stumbled on the news of Christopher’s passing. He had a terrific personality and a great sense of humor. I always regret letting go of many of the relationships I built up back then. I don’t think Chris and I were close enough to continue to stay in touch, but we were good friends and this news does hit hard. He was my age. Too young. Good guy. Sucks. So very sorry to see this.