News

Combat Jack Passes Away

blame it on Meka December 20, 2017

This… hurts.

From a personal standpoint, I’ve known Reggie Osse — née Combat Jack — for close to a decade. Essentially, he and Dallas Penn were essentially the reason I got (back) into journalism, and if it weren’t for them this very website may not have even existed had I not gotten back into journalism. Every time we saw each other, whether it’s throughout the country or on the streets of New York, we would always share kind words for each other.

So, waking up to the news that Jack has succumbed to complications from colon cancer… I’m not gonna lie, it hurts a lot. Previously announcing it in October, Jack stepped down from his role of hosting his own eponymous podcast and underwent chemotherapy and alternative treatment.

Jack was one of the most knowledgeable, interesting and — more importantly — genuine peoples I’ve ever met. One of this writer’s favorite podcasts was his multi-part story on Chris Lighty, who passed in 2012.

2017 has already been an awful year, and this just makes it even worse. Osse leaves behind four children.