Nicki Minaj’s tour manager was stabbed and killed during an attack in Philadelphia on February 17. He has been named as De’Von DayDay Pickett. He was 29 years old.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Minaj Tweeted That Pickett Was in Philadelphia Rehearsing for Her Tour
TMZ reports that the stabbing happened when Pickett was in Philly making preparations for Nicki’s tour with rapper and Minaj’s boyfriend Meek Mill, a native of Philadelphia. Minaj tweeted on February 18 that “Two members of my team were stabbed last night in Philly. One was killed. They had only been there for two days rehearsing for the tour.”
2. His Killer Is Still At-Large
Che Bar & Grill where the attack occurred. (Screengrab via My Fox Philly)
ABC Philadelphia reports that the suspect in the stabbing is still-at-large. The stabbing happened after a bar fight that began inside the Che Bar & Grill along Stenton Avenue in the city’s West Oak Lane neighborhood. Chief inspector Scott Small told the media, “We believe that both of the victims, as well as the perpetrator, were all inside of this bar and that’s when the argument started.”
Police on the scene at the stabbing. (Screengrab via ABC Philadelphia)
After the attack, Pickett was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. The suspect is said to be in his 30s and driving a gray Buick Le Sabre, reports NBC Philadelphia.
3. Another Member of Minaj’s Crew Was Stabbed
De’Von Pickett and Eric Parker pictured together. (Instagram)
Another member of crew, Eric Parker, 27, was attacked and stabbed but has survived. He remains in critical condition. Chief inspector Small said that Parker is expected to survive. The two men had to be brought to a hospital by witnesses, reports My Fox Philly. The station says that authorities had no knowledge of the attack until they were contacted by the Einstein Hospital.
4. Pickett Previously Worked for Pharrell Williams
According to his LinkedIn, Pickett is a native of Brooklyn. On his page, he lists a lengthy career in concert management which includes working for Pharrell Williams. On his Facebook page, Pickett says he’s the co-founder of Brooklyn Nerd and works in A&R for Derrick Wright and Driven music. He studied Business Management at the Monroe College in the Bronx.
5. In His Last Message to the World, Pickett Said ‘Be Great’
His last tweet came just hours before his death, it read, “Be Great.” His cousin is Brooklyn NAACP President L. Joy Williams, who frequently appears on MSNBC. She’s been tweeting about his death saying “He touched so many lives, so loved and our family will miss him so dearly.” In a lengthy Instagram post, rapper Fabulous paid tribute to Pickett, saying:
My heart is heavy right now… God opened my eyes this morning at 9:49am. For some reason at that time I woke up thinking about both of these guys. They both work with me, but I couldn’t figure out why they were in my mind at 1st wake up. Wasn’t sure if I had a dream & they were in it or just some wake up & process things type shit.. But at 10:04 my brother hit me & told me that they both were fatally stabbed in Philly last night. My friend @daydaydoesdis (left) died & my friend Eric Parker is in critical condition in the hospital fighting for his life. I am still in shock & don’t want to believe this. And it hurts even more knowing how good these two dudes are. How hard these guys work. And how loyal they are to whoever they are down with & each other. Please send Eric Parker your blessings & a prayer for him to pull thru. And RIP to the fallen soldier Day Day. I can’t even believe I’m saying that with your name attached to it. & I HATE this being a post!! I will miss your energy, your vibe, & you but I’ll hold on to your spirit!!