Dallas Penn, Renowned Host Of 'The Combat Jack Show,' Dead At 53: We're 'Heartbroken'
Dallas Penn, a cultural influencer and co-host of 'The Combat Jack Show,' has died.
He was 53.
Reports of Penn's death emerged on Wednesday when his wife, Susan Penn, also known as Chocolate Snowflake, announced his death on Facebook.
"Dallas has ascended to the music that was waiting for him. From September 1970 to April 2024, he always said it don't stop, it won't stop, and he's waiting for us all at the Funkadelic Stevie Wonder Sean Price party in the sky. Rest my love and see you in our other lifetimes. Love you always, for all time," she said.
Although his exact cause of death remains undisclosed, Penn had been hospitalized due to health complications associated with Type-2 Diabetes, a battle he openly shared with his followers.
Following news of Penn's death, former colleagues from 'The Combat Jack Show' expressed their grief, with Premium Pete reflecting on his final conversation with his longtime companion and co-worker.
"I'm Heartbroken," shared the footwear influencer on Instagram. "I Spoke to #DallasPenn yesterday not even knowing that was the final call we would ever have."
"As I reflect back, what an honor to share so many legendary moments and memories with Dallas. A True Brilliant Dude, He was the older brother I never had. The only thing that makes me happy is to know that him and Combat are back together."
Hailing from Queens, New York, Penn's adolescence involved his participation in various influential youth groups integral to shaping hip-hop culture, notably The Decepticons and Lo-Lifes. These collectives boasted members who would go on to become prominent figures in rap music, including Sean Price, Smif-n-Wessun, and Thirstin Howl III.
After completing high school, Penn delved into graphic design, construction, and architecture, all while nurturing his creative interests, particularly in music, fashion, and urban culture.
In the era of YouTube, Penn joined forces with fellow New Yorkers Rafi Kam and Casimir Nozkowski to establish the Internets Celebrities. Their viral videos, including a unique take on McDonald's iconic "Big Mac" burger, earned them a feature in the 'New York Times' in 2010.
Penn's already substantial social media following experienced a significant surge in popularity when he teamed up with the late entertainment attorney and podcaster Reggie "Combat Jack" Osse to launch 'The Combat Jack Show.' The groundbreaking program quickly became a cornerstone in the hip-hop podcasting landscape.
Penn's inclusion in The Combat Jack Show, characterized by his eccentric and occasionally contentious humor alongside Osse's more measured demeanor, propelled the podcast to the forefront of the industry, where it remained until Osse's death in 2017.
Beyond his involvement with the show, Penn hosted other podcasts over the past decade. Among these were Talkitecture and The Newlyweds, the latter of which offered a glimpse into Penn's family-oriented side he co-hosted with his wife.
Regarded for his profound understanding of New York City's culture and heritage, Penn was frequently approached by esteemed authors and journalists seeking his expertise. His perspectives have been featured in notable publications such as "Bury Me With the Lo On" and platforms like AndScape.
More recently, he contributed to a profile on New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, a piece published just days before his death.
