Billy “DJ Bigga Rankin” Plummer, a pioneering Florida DJ, promoter and influential figure in Southern hip-hop, has died at 56, his family announced Monday. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Plummer helped launch the careers of several rap stars while mentoring emerging artists across the South.

“It is with great sadness that we announce that the patriarch of our family, Billy ‘Bigga Rankin’ Plummer, passed away earlier this morning on July 20, 2026,” his family said in a statement. “Funeral arrangements and plans for a celebration of life will be shared when they are available.”

Based in Jacksonville, Plummer built a reputation as one of Southern rap’s most respected tastemakers. He played a key role in promoting artists including Rick Ross, T.I., Plies, Jeezy, Yo Gotti, Gucci Mane and B.o.B. He also served as an A&R executive at Think It’s a Game Records and as vice president of the Hittmenn DJs.

Beyond the music industry, Plummer devoted years to community service. He founded Jacksonville’s Diamond Awards, supported young artists and organized charitable initiatives through the K.I.N.G. Foundation. His family said the organization’s annual Back to School Community Day will proceed as scheduled on Aug. 8 at A. Philip Randolph Park, providing free backpacks, food and activities for local families.

Rapper Rick Ross Pays Tribute To Late Florida DJ Bigga Rankin

In a previous interview with News4JAX, Plummer credited his upbringing for shaping his approach to life and business.

“I’m always helping people… my mama always told me to give without expecting nothing back… I feel like I was real because I’m always giving,” he said.

Plummer also spoke openly about serious health challenges in recent years, including complications from COVID-19 that resulted in the loss of a kidney and required regular dialysis treatments.

Among the first artists to honor him publicly was rapper Rick Ross, who credited Plummer with supporting his career from the beginning.

“We lost a legendary figure in Florida today,” Ross wrote on X. “Bigga Rankin had an amazing spirit and he embraced me from day one. That’s the kind of love and loyalty you never forget.”

Ross added, “My dawg has moved on, but his legacy, his voice and the impact he made on this culture, especially Southern hip-hop, will live forever. Prayers up for his family and everyone who loved him. Rest in Power, Bigga Rankin.”

Plummer leaves behind a lasting legacy as a champion of Southern hip-hop whose influence extended beyond music into mentorship, philanthropy and community leadership.