A Chicago DJ passed away recently, but not without leaving one final words of wisdom.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Timothy Jones, more commonly known by his music monicker “DJ Timbuck2”, died on Dec. 19 at the age of 34 following complications from renal cancer.

Though young, his work is a testament to a man committed to making his mark on the music world. His skillful DJ mastery would lead him, as a teenager, not only gain traction on the local Chicago seen, but lead him to playing tours and events with some of hip-hop’s finest, including P. Diddy, Lil’ Kim Talib Kweli, and Chicago’s own Kanye West, Common and Lupe Fiasco. When he was 21 years old, Jones became the youngest on-air personality at WGCI-FM 107.5.

“He had to do things his own way,” Bernadette Jones, his mom, told The Tribune. “Hip-hop became what he lived and breathed, and he found others who felt that way and moved in their circles.”

He was an artist dedicated to supporting and elevating local talent like Vic Mensa, Rockie Fresh, and others.

And in his final words, to continued his lifelong commitment to his community, but on the topic of health.

“Prior to that date [Nov. 18, 2014], I spent most of the summer sick,” he wrote in a letter,  reported. “I lost close to 30 pounds, and started suffering from all kinds of sickness. At the same time, I had no idea why. I also, like most men, refused to go to the doctor.”

Medical check-ups are important in general, particularly for African Americans and disparities in certain cancers within the population. According to the National Cancer Institute, African-American have the highest breast cancer death rate, a higher rate of cervical cancer, and African-American men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer. While hesitance to seek a medical professional is common, and historically justified given legacy of medical experimentation, we would be doing ourselves and Jones justice by taking the time to make the annual doctor’s appointment that could save our lives.

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