The New York nightlife community is mourning the tragic loss of Darryl Mathis Jr., a renowned club promoter and beloved figure in the industry. Mathis was killed early Saturday, March 22, 2025, when a Mercedes-Benz struck his disabled Ford Crown Victoria on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx. He was just 39 years old.
A Night to Remember Turns to Tragedy
Moments before the fatal incident, Mathis was active on social media, posting a video to Instagram lamenting his misfortune of being stranded on the highway. “Had a great night tonight with the gang,” he shared, reflecting on an event he attended with rapper Rick Ross. “I’m trying to go home and my car dies while I’m on the highway. How the f–k am I in the Bronx and my car just died? You can’t make this s–t up. I just want to go home, yo.”
Approximately 30 minutes later, Mathis was back on the phone, telling a friend he had been hit from behind and was experiencing pain and difficulty breathing. “The battery died and he called up a few friends to let them know what was going on,” said Cornelius “Big Grim” Whitaker, a close friend and business associate. “After that, he got hit from behind, a hit-and-run. They were on their way to give him a jump, and he got hit waiting for them.”
The Crash and Immediate Aftermath
Around 3:45 a.m., Mathis’s Ford was struck in the southbound lane of the Major Deegan Expressway, causing both vehicles to veer out of control. The driver of the Mercedes fled the scene and remains unidentified. Paramedics rushed Mathis to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Mathis, affectionately known as “Maybach Swagg” in the industry due to his close association with Rick Ross and Maybach Music Group, was remembered for his vibrant personality and dedication to his craft. “We lost a real one,” Ross posted on Instagram shortly after the crash, sharing a heartfelt tribute along with a photo of Mathis.
A Legacy of Community and Support
Friends and colleagues described Mathis as a passionate promoter who cared deeply for his family and community. DJ KIMU recalled, “He loved his family, especially his daughter and friends. He gave back to his community, supported other people’s events and brands, not just his own.”
Whitaker, who met Mathis while working on a comedy film, reflected on Mathis’s impactful journey. “He turned his life around after doing time as a young man. When he came home, he was an influential human being in the community. He would help everybody,” he said.
Mathis was known for his efforts to steer young people away from crime. He often spoke to students and gang members, sharing his experiences and encouraging them to pursue legitimate opportunities in the nightlife industry.
Darryl Mathis, Jr. (center), known in the industry as “Maybach Swagg,” with friends Cornelius “Big Grim” Whitaker (right) and Abu Yasir Nash (left). (Obtained by Daily News)
Remembering Darryl Mathis Jr.
The news of Mathis’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the nightlife community. Many remember him as a “local ghetto superstar” who was humble and down-to-earth. His friends emphasized that Mathis wanted to inspire the next generation, helping them learn from his mistakes and avoid the pitfalls of his past.
As investigations into the hit-and-run continue, the community is left to grieve a man who was not just a promoter but a mentor, a friend, and a positive force in the lives of many.
Conclusion
Darryl Mathis Jr.’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the vibrant memories he created in the nightlife scene. As friends, family, and colleagues come together to honor his memory, they are reminded of the importance of community, support, and the impact one individual can have on countless others.
For updates on the investigation and ways to support Mathis’s family during this difficult time, stay tuned to HipHopRaisedMeTheBlog.com and local news outlets.
