Derrick Parker, NYPD's 'Hip-Hop Cop' Who Investigated Rap's Biggest Stars, Dies at 65

Derrick Parker, the former NYPD detective renowned as the "Hip-Hop Cop" for his work in the department's rap intelligence unit during the 1990s, has died. He was 65.

Parker's brother, Ralph, confirmed his death to Fox News Digital on Monday, stating that he died unexpectedly on July 24 at a hospital in Nassau County, New York. The cause of death was not immediately released.

A funeral is scheduled for Thursday at the J Foster Phillips Funeral Home in Jamaica, New York.

During his career spanning over two decades, Parker led the NYPD's rap intelligence unit when the hip-hop music scene experienced significant growth. His role involved monitoring prominent artists and their associates in New York City. He also shared his strategies for reducing violence within the music industry with law enforcement in other cities, including Miami and Atlanta.

His investigative work extended to homicide and cold cases. Parker collaborated with federal agencies such as the US Marshals, the ATF, the DEA, and the FBI. He detailed his approach to policing the hip-hop world, emphasizing the importance of being aware of who was in the city and their potential impact on avoiding conflicts between rival groups.

Parker was involved in the 1999 investigation stemming from the Club New York shooting, an incident for which music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was charged but later acquitted. Pop star Jennifer Lopez was also briefly detained and released in connection with the event.

He chronicled his experiences in his book, "Notorious C.O.P.: The Inside Story of the Tupac, Biggie and Jam Master Jay Investigations from the NYPD's First 'Hip-Hop Cop.'" The book covered his involvement in investigations related to the murders of Tupac Shakur, Christopher Wallace (The Notorious B.I.G.), and Jam Master Jay.

After retiring from the NYPD in 2002, Parker transitioned to private security, applying his expertise in managing event security and executive protection. He also frequently appeared as a media commentator on high-profile cases involving individuals and venues he had encountered during his law enforcement career. He had expressed interest in writing a follow-up book.

In the days leading up to his death, Parker was reportedly following the Las Vegas murder case against Duane "Keffe D" Davis, who is charged in connection with Tupac Shakur's 1996 murder. Jury selection for that trial began on Monday.