New York Knicks Anthony Mason runs down court during an NBA basketball game against the Washington Bullets in New York on Dec. 3, 1995.
AP Images
Anthony Mason, the NBA power forward who played from the 1990s through the early 2000s, is being remembered by the music community following his death.
Former Knick Anthony Mason has died at the age of 48. http://t.co/fXAM0m7g0a pic.twitter.com/RwONEk2zS0
— NBA New York Knicks (@nyknicks) February 28, 2015
Mason, who enjoyed a five-year stint with the New York Knicks, passed away after battling heart problems, the Associated Press reported on Saturday (Feb. 28). He was 48.
“As a competitor, there was none fiercer than Anthony Mason,” Knicks president Phil Jackson stated on the Knicks’ website. “Standing on the opposite end of the playing field, coaching in those great Chicago/New York battles, No. 14 in the Orange and Blue always stood out. On behalf of the entire Knickerbocker community, our condolences go out to his family. Rest in peace, Mase.”
The 6-foot-7 Mason helped the Knicks reach the NBA finals in 1994 and won the association’s Sixth Man award the following year.
Following his death, many music stars remembered Mason on their social media pages. Read the tributes below from Nas, Mark Ronson, Talib Kweli, Pete Yorn and many more.
RIP ANTHONY MASON
— Nasir Jones (@Nas) February 28, 2015
So sad to hear about Anthony Mason. Growing up in NY, 14 was actually my favourite number because of him.
— Mark Ronson (@MarkRonson) February 28, 2015
RIP Anthony Mason.
— Bun B (@BunBTrillOG) February 28, 2015
RIP Anthony Mason. Knick legend… http://t.co/yjFQHLqhq8
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) February 28, 2015
BLESSINGS TO ANTHONY MASON AND HIS FAMILY…R.I.P. BIG MASE ! NEW YORK KNICKS LEGEND…..
— DJ Premier (@REALDJPREMIER) February 28, 2015
Anthony Mason, Bruising Forward Who Personified Mid-’90s Knicks, Dies at 48 – http://t.co/efTw6v9Q5s http://t.co/96UWSlbxwW
— Pete Yorn (@peteyorn) February 28, 2015
sad about anthony mason. he used give me high fives he was nice and funny. r.i.p.
— Flea (@flea333) February 28, 2015
R.I.P. To my homie Anthony Mason Sr. ..As real as it gets. Rest In Paradise homie #KnicksTape #QGTM https://t.co/WvJV497emG
— DJ CLUE (@DJCLUE) February 28, 2015
ANTHONY MASON
— A$AP ANT / ygAddieRO (@ygAddie) February 28, 2015
RIP Anthony Mason. Too soon. Damn.
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) February 28, 2015