Atlanta radio veteran Silas ‘SiMan Baby’ Alexander has died of pancreatic cancer. He was 58.
The R&B jock and Georgia Radio Hall of Fame inductee in September announced his diagnosis on his birthday on social media.
His wife Sandra and son Silas “Lex” Alexander IV announced the news of his death on his Facebook page this morning.
“We feel at peace knowing he can rest now,” they wrote. “Thank you for your love, prayers and support during this difficult time for the family.”
Alexander, an Eatonton native whose signature on-air self-descriptive was the emphatic “SiMan Baby!,” was on Atlanta radio three decades, including WIGO-AM, V-103, Kiss 104.1, Classic Soul 1025 and most recently Majic 107.5/97.5 until 2018. He also regularly hosted late-night parties at clubs, most recently at Club Bolts in Atlanta off Gresham Road.
From 2018 until last year, Alexander was co-hosting a syndicated show with rap legend Chubb Rock on about a dozen stations in markets like Columbus and Augusta.
“He was the most genuine soul I’ve ever had the honor of being around,” said Chubb Rock in a text Wednesday morning. “I loved him like we came out of the same womb.”
Derek Harper, who worked with SiMan as a producer and later as his boss, called him “the consummate professional. He was a mentor to many and a friend to anyone he came in contact with. I will miss him dearly.”
In an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution last September, the Douglasville resident said he was diagnosed in June but chose not to publicize his situation until that weekend.
While getting gall-bladder surgery, Alexander said, the doctors discovered cancerous growths in his liver that originated in his pancreas.
He said a chemotherapy and radiation regimen forced him off the air.
The treatment “has its challenges,” he said last fall “But I’m working through it the best I can. I’m making it work ... We would rather fight it out as long as we can. Don’t give me an expiration date.”
Alexander, whose father died of pancreatic cancer at age 69, spent his final months with his family.
“We never know when we’re going to go,” Alexander said. “I hate that this is an indicator that mine may be sooner than I had originally expected. But it gives me time to get things in place in regards to my family. It gives me perspective. Enjoy your time here and enjoy it with your family and friends that you love. It’s now in God’s hands. I am glad to have a lot of prayer warriors out there.”
His death happened just three months after his cousin, Classix 102.9 Gary “DJ Mix Master Mitch” Mitchell, also died of pancreatic cancer.
Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens released a statement Wednesday afternoon: “SiMan made it one of his missions to help spread awareness of this disease and help others as he and his cousin Gary “Mix Master Mitch” Mitchell battled this disease together That’s just the kind of man he was. As we grieve his loss, we can’t help but smile hearing his trademark “Siiiiman Baaaabay” in our heads. We’re sending our sincere condolences to his loved ones, and pray God’s grace, mercy and peace to everyone who loved him.”
Funeral services will be announced soon and this story will be updated.
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