Sad news to share from the Hip-Hop and podcasting world. Dallas Penn, writer, urban fashion influencer and the former co-host of The Combat Jack Show, has passed away. He was 54.

Damn RIP to the real INTERNETS @Dallas_Penn before sneaker influencers were a thing my man was the culture for me pic.twitter.com/yhoisjVPSO

— Carlos Pimentel (@doinga55ina54) May 1, 2024

The date and the cause of death were not immediately made public.

An outpouring of touching words from friends, fans and peers made rounds online as news of his passing became public. Rapper Bun B shared on Instagram a photo of himself with Penn, accompanied by the following caption:

“Hadn’t been back in the US an hour and I get this news. One of a kind in the greatest way. Followed the beat of his own drum and we loved him for it. You’ll be missed my friend. Give Jack our love. Long Live Dallas Penn. The innanets owe it all to you.”

Rest well @Dallas_Penn! You were the best of us pic.twitter.com/gQwU59m3xj

— Mess (@mrmess) May 1, 2024

On X, formerly Twitter, Eric and Jeff Rosenthal of ItsTheReal honored Penn and had the following to say:

“Our hearts are heavy with the Dallas Penn news. For the best part of the past two decades, our NYC/hip-hop/internets lives have been intertwined. We’re grateful for the time we had and so sorry it was this limited. May the Polo discounts fly wherever you are, Dallas. RIP.”

Our hearts are heavy with the Dallas Penn news. For the best part of the past two decades, our NYC/hip-hop/internets lives have been intertwined. We’re grateful for the time we had and so sorry it was this limited. May the Polo discounts fly wherever you are, Dallas. RIP.

— ItsTheReal (@itsthereal) May 1, 2024

Okayplayer eulogized Penn in a social media post that recognized “His influence as a writer, podcaster, and influencer” that “left an indelible mark on urban culture. From his insightful commentary to his knowledge of sneaker history, his legacy lives on.”

Today we remember Dallas Penn, a true icon in sneaker culture, hip-hop, and streetwear.

His influence as a writer, podcaster, and influencer has left an indelible mark on urban culture. From his insightful commentary to his knowledge of sneaker history, his legacy lives on. pic.twitter.com/oqW97Mks8O

— Okayplayer (@okayplayer) May 1, 2024

Others who didn’t know Penn but were influenced by the Ralph Lauren Polo enthusiast also chimed in with notes of condolences and thanks for his invaluable contributions to the culture.

“i never met Dallas Penn, but have had a reverence and respect for him since the mid 00’s,” one X account wrote accompanied by footage of him. “This was perhaps THE FIRST viral video I saw on YouTube, and I knew Rafi from hip hop forums, so it felt like watching friends winning. always loved Dallas on Combat Jack, a great mind. RIP.”

i never met Dallas Penn, but have had a reverence and respect for him since the mid 00’s. This was perhaps THE FIRST viral video I saw on YouTube, and I knew Rafi from hip hop forums, so it felt like watching friends winning. always loved Dallas on Combat Jack, a great mind. RIP. pic.twitter.com/VLReVoSrXP

— INTUITION (@ItsIntuition) May 1, 2024

Others similarly posted videos of Penn in a steady outpouring of tributes.

In true uncle @Dallas_Penn fashion , @MegantheMogul captured as @ThColtonShow__ was about to ask him what was his favorite fries at our @potluckcrew Fr(high)day event pic.twitter.com/3tbnbZp5HU

— NYC Fulani (@ohits_sxo) May 1, 2024

Penn and co-collaborators were spotlighted in the New York Times in 2010 for their “Internet Celebrities” series of videos about pockets of New York City life.

Regarding one short film about food inequality called “Bodega” — the name New Yorkers have for small convenience stores — Penn notably told the Times “This isn’t Whole Foods” before breaking down what his end game was:

“In this city you can have the poorest and the wealthiest, sometimes in the same ZIP code,” Mr. Penn said. “But even in this huge city, people feel separated and that shouldn’t be. I hope our films can show that one way or another we are all connected.”

Penn’s death comes more than seven years after Reggie “Combat Jack” Ossé died at 48 of colon cancer.

Check out some of Penn’s best moments on The Combat Jack Show in the video below.

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