PM Dawn’s Tragic Fall: Health Battles, Betrayal, and the End of a Legendary Duo

 

 

In the 1990s, PM Dawn was a groundbreaking hip-hop duo that captivated the world with their unique sound and spiritual lyrics.

Led by Prince B and DJ Minute Mix, the duo became household names after their hit single “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” topped the Billboard charts.

But despite their immense success, PM Dawn’s rise to fame would soon be overshadowed by personal battles, health crises, and legal issues.

The duo’s legacy was built on talent, but it was also marred by betrayal and internal struggles that would lead to their tragic decline.

In this article, we dive into the untold story of PM Dawn, from their meteoric rise to their painful fall.

Let’s explore how two brothers harnessed their individual musical talents to create something unforgettable—and how their personal demons eventually tore them apart.

The Beginning of PM Dawn

 

 

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, brothers Prince B and DJ Minute Mix formed the iconic duo in 1988.

Inspired by their musical upbringing—thanks to their mother’s gospel singing and their stepfather’s time with the band Kool & the Gang—they quickly made a name for themselves.

Prince B, with his natural creativity, started DJing and writing songs while still in high school, using his job as a security guard to fund a demo tape.

Originally, PM Dawn was a cousin act with Gregory (Doc G) as part of the group.

However, after Doc G’s sudden enlistment in the Navy, the duo became a brother act, and the rest is history.

Their breakthrough came when they connected with British label G Street Records, which later led to their iconic debut album Of the Heart, of the Soul and of the Cross: The Utopian Experience in 1991.

The second single, “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss,” became a worldwide hit, making PM Dawn the first rap song by a black artist to top the Billboard Hot 100.

The Struggles Behind the Music

 

 

Despite their chart-topping success, PM Dawn was never fully embraced by the hip-hop community.

Their softer, more melodic sound contrasted with the hardcore hip-hop of the time, leading to criticism from prominent figures in the genre.

But what truly shattered the duo was internal conflict and health struggles.

In the mid-1990s, Prince B faced a serious health crisis.

He was diagnosed with diabetes, and his battle with his weight and poor diet would take a toll on his body.

His cousin, Doc G, recalls Prince B’s struggle with food addiction, stating, “He was sneaking food all the time behind my back, and with diabetes, sugary foods are the drug. It will kill you the same way coke will.”

Despite these issues, PM Dawn continued to release music, and their second album, The Bliss Album…, brought further success with the hit “Looking Through Patient Eyes.”

But the toll on Prince B’s health was becoming undeniable, and by the late 1990s, the group’s musical output slowed.

The Breakup and Prince B’s Health Decline

 

 

In 1998, PM Dawn released their third album, Jesus Wept.

But it didn’t achieve the success of their earlier work.

Meanwhile, DJ Minute Mix, also known as JC the Eternal, faced legal issues that further complicated the duo’s future.

He was accused of assaulting a 14-year-old female relative, though the charges were dropped later.

By 2005, after a massive stroke left Prince B paralyzed, PM Dawn appeared to be on the brink of collapse.

However, in a surprising turn, the duo participated in NBC’s Hit Me Baby One More Time, a reality show featuring former stars.

Despite his health struggles, Prince B’s charisma helped PM Dawn win the $20,000 prize, which they donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

But by then, their legacy had already begun to fade.

The Final Years: Prince B’s Death and the Split

 

 

In 2016, Prince B passed away from renal disease at just 46 years old, leaving behind a wife and three children.

His death marked the end of an era for PM Dawn, but the group’s name lived on through Doc G, who continued to perform under the same moniker.

However, the drama didn’t end there.

DJ Minute Mix, now JC the Eternal, was reportedly unhappy with the direction Doc G had taken PM Dawn after Prince B’s passing.

Claims were made that JC had broken into Prince B’s house and stolen his computer containing the group’s entire music catalog.

In 2018, Doc G released a few non-album singles with a new collaborator, Krock, but the fans were not pleased.

Many long-time followers felt that the essence of PM Dawn was lost with the departure of its original members.

The Fight to Keep the Legacy Alive

 

 

 

PM Dawn’s legacy became a source of division within the hip-hop community.

The duo’s alternative style, which had once challenged the traditional norms of hip-hop, was now seen as diluted without the original members.

Despite this, Doc G and Krock continued to push forward, releasing music under the PM Dawn name.

But fans and critics alike began to voice their dissatisfaction.

They believed that the soul of PM Dawn was lost, and that no amount of new music could replicate what was once a groundbreaking and unique sound.

A Legacy of Tragedy and Triumph

PM Dawn’s story is one of triumph, tragedy, and the complexities of family and health.

What started as a groundbreaking duo eventually unraveled due to personal demons, health struggles, and betrayal.

But despite all the pain, PM Dawn left behind a legacy of music that will continue to inspire future generations of artists.

Their unique blend of hip-hop and melodic sounds pushed the boundaries of the genre and proved that there’s more than one way to tell a story through music.

 

 

PM Dawn’s journey, though filled with hardship, will forever be remembered for its originality and its willingness to challenge the status quo.

Will PM Dawn’s True Legacy Ever Be Recognized Again?

Only time will tell if the duo’s full potential can be realized once more.

The legacy of PM Dawn remains a complex narrative of music, loss, and the haunting battles fought behind closed doors.

Did you ever listen to PM Dawn? What do you think of their impact on the music world? Let us know in the comments below!