Music industry veteran Marvin Watkins was reportedly killed in Pomona, California on Monday night (March 23). According to the Daily Bulletin, Watkins was shot around 7 p.m. local time on Viewpoint Circle, near Village Loop Road.
Snoop Dogg, whose relationship with Watkins stretches back decades, shared a throwback photo of himself with Watkins to Instagram and expressed his utter shock.
“Damn I can’t believe it just woke up to some horrible news,” Snoop captioned the post. “marvin Watkins was there for me when I left death row took me to no limit and got me on my feet damn this hurts @djpooh this hurts cuz I’m praying for you and marvin family. No words.”
DJ Pooh, who co-founded Heat Rocc Entertainment with Watkins, appeared to take the news particularly hard, posting multiple photos of himself with his late friend.
“Those that know me know this hurts!” he captioned a photo. “Friends for over 30 years. Rip Starv!”
Watkins was the writer and a producer for the film Budz House, which starred Faizon Love and Wesley Jonathan, among others. He also produced The Brian McKnight Show as well as a comedy special featuring Kevin Hart, Faison Love and several other comedians.
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Prior to getting into the film and television business, Watkins held positions at Priority Records and then EMI/Capital Records. During his time at both labels as an A&R executive and later, at his own management company, Watkins worked with and developed artists such as Ice Cube, Master P, Mack 10 and Snoop.