Rapper T.I.‘s former road manager Claybourne “Clay” Evans Jr. passed away in an Atlanta hospital after suffering a massive stroke earlier this month.
Evans died on Friday, March 24, according to an Instagram post by his family.
“It is with a heavy heart that the Evans family announces the untimely passing of my Father, Claybourne Evans Jr,” the post read. “He fought a good fight and transitioned peacefully surrounded by close family and friends on today, March 24, 2023. He lived an extraordinary life filled with Love, Hard Work, and Laughter. He touched many lives…Continue His Legacy.”
A celebration of life is planned for a later date, the post said.
Evans was well-liked in the music industry. He founded Atlanta talent agency Rubicon Brand Management and was also the VP of T.I.’s record label Grand Hustle Records.
In addition to T.I., Evans represented Lil Duval, Travis Scott, JaySki, Erica Duchess, and DJ MLK.
RELATED: T.I.’s road manager Clay Evans suffers massive stroke
Evans reportedly suffered a massive stroke at his home on March 8.
The Cleveland-born music executive learned the ropes while in the U.S. Air Force where he hosted parties in his barracks. He branched out and began planning parties for the entire military base at the base club.
“With me being in the military, it just taught me discipline and direction,” Evans told Rolling Out. “And in this game, you have to be disciplined and on time, paying attention to detail. And it helped me not just with music management but tour management.”
After moving to Atlanta, Evans, pictured right with T.I., worked at Patchwerk Recording Studios, formerly owned by ex-Atlanta Falcon Bob Whitfield. It was there that he met future rap star T.I., real name Clifford Harris Jr.
“The blessing is that when I started working with T.I., he wasn’t a big star. He was just a young G with a dream,” Evans told Rolling Out.
Evans explained that his work ethic inspired the “hustle” in Grand Hustle.
“At that time, T.I. had just gotten a deal, and I was booking Tip myself in different cities. When he wasn’t actually getting booked, I booked him into cities or situations that I created. I went to the venues. I created the radio buys. I hit the city and [would] promote him. That’s officially why I call myself the ‘hustle’ in Grand Hustle,” Evans said.
