Members of the Atlanta music community are mourning the death of one of their own: Speakerfoxxx, a DJ well-known for her energetic sets, dedication to music and love for her city.
Manager Xen Lang confirmed her death to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sunday. She was 35.
“No one was more passionate about their craft, culture and city,” Lang said. “It was a pleasure to know her, learn from her and work with her.”
No further information was given as to the cause of death.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Passion City Church in northeast Atlanta.
To all that loves Nilan we are having a Memorial Service for her in Atlanta this Saturday 1:00 at Passion City Church (the one in midtown). Her mother asked me to spread the word to stand w/ her as we remember Speakerfoxxx. pic.twitter.com/M80uJEmOtf
— BOSCO (@helloBOSCO) December 26, 2018
Speakerfoxxx, whose real name is Christen Nilan, was an Atlanta native known for DJing shows both locally and nationally. She was known by some as the “Queen of ATL,” thanks to her heavily trap mixtapes and memorable presence at Atlanta clubs.
She graduated from the Paideia School and attended Agnes Scott College, according to an obituary written by Nilan’s family. She worked at the AVEDA Institute Atlanta and Van Michael Salon.
She gained recognition as DJ Speakerfoxxx for her early-career mixtapes "Dopeboy Anthems" and "Dopegirl Anthems." In 2016, Nilan teamed up with friend and fellow Atlantan BOSCO for the effortlessly fun and danceable mixtape "Girls in the Yard."
gonna throw a legendary concert for our girl to celebrate her life. she is the true QUEEN of ATLANTA!!!
— BOSCO (@helloBOSCO) December 23, 2018
As news of her death spread on social media over the weekend, BOSCO and other members of the Atlanta music community who knew Nilan remembered her for the creative contributions she made over the years.
Speakerfoxxx was that person to go out of her way anytime someone came thru ATL. To make them feel welcomed and supported..she did that for the entire DJ community too and even more so for other women in it. She was a light and an inspiration to us all. She truly will be missed
— KITTENS (@iamKITTENS) December 23, 2018
RIP @SPEAKERFOXXX 2018 is hell, stay strong atlanta family
— Zachary Fox (@zackfox) December 23, 2018
Friends shared memories of live Speakerfoxxx shows and honored her for paving the way for female DJs in Atlanta.
Rest easy, @SPEAKERFOXXX 💜✨ pic.twitter.com/La6KRx1s33
— gingerbread person ❄️ (@LegendaryCyd) December 23, 2018
Throughout her career, Nilan showed a deep love for east Atlanta — Zone 6, specifically. In a 2016 interview with Vice, Nilan said her favorite neighborhood was Reynoldstown, and that she could often be seen at Aurora Coffee, ParkGrounds or Ria's Bluebird. "Atlanta has been home my whole life," she said.
And more than anything, she revered the Atlanta music scene.
“There are some parties where people are trying to be cool, but in Atlanta, for the most part, nobody here is too cool to really turn up,” she told Vice. “Atlanta is the most interactive audience to play for, and I'm not just saying that 'cause I'm from here.”
Nilan's family said donations in her memory could be made to Grateful Hearts Ministries.
