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 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 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.