House producer and Nu Groove affiliate Rhano Burrell has died

House producer and one-half of the Burrell Brothers, Rhano Burrell, has died. 

Burrell's twin brother and fellow Burrell Brothers member Rheji confirmed the news via Instagram yesterday (October 4), sharing a picture alongside his sibling with the caption "For the very first time in my life…. I’m lost." No cause of death has been given. 

Burrell's wife Caprice has launched a GoFundMe to pay for funeral costs and support his children and legacy. She shared that Rhano Burrell had passed away on November 3.  

Hailing from New Jersey, Rhano - AKA Ronald Burrell - and his twin brother became entrenched in gospel music before joining their first band, Inner Spirit, at 13-years-old. 

The brothers remained part of Inner Spirit for five years, winning talent competitions across New Jersey and New York -  earning the attention of an A&R for Virgin Records, on which they formed the Burrell Brothers, and released their first record 'Burrell' in 1988. 

The pair later found a home on Nu Groove Records, on which Ronald Burrell established a myriad of aliases including Aphrodisiac, Equation, K.A.T.O. and Grey Area — producing tracks such as 'Song of the Siren' and 'Just Before Dawn'. 

By the mid-'90s, the Burrell Brothers had moved on to make a career as producers in pop and hip hop. Rhano's last solo release was a four-track EP,  'You're in Da House', on New York's Nervous Records under a new moniker Strait 2 DAT, in 2010.

In a tribute shared via Instagram, Nu Groove Records wrote: "We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rhano Burrell, a true pioneer and one half of the legendary Burrell Brothers." 

"Rhano helped shape the sound of Nu Groove and the foundation of New York house. His spirit and music will live on forever," the tribute continues. 

You can donate to help support Rhano Burrell's family via their GoFundMe page. 

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter