Bay Area hip-hop legend, who was Prince’s personal DJ, in ‘critical condition’

Pam Warren, the influential turntable talent better known as DJ Pam the Funkstress, is reportedly in a hospital and fighting for her life.

It’s unclear, at this moment, the exact nature of the medical situation. Yet, reports are that it’s dire.

“Please send all your love and good energy out to Pam The Funkstress who in the hospital in critical condition,” Oakland rapper and actor Daveed Diggs wrote in a Tweet. “She is a Bay Area legend who has always loved and supported young artists. We love you Pam.”

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Daveed Diggs ✔@DaveedDiggs

Please send all your love and good energy out to Pam The Funkstress who in the hospital in critical condition. She is a Bay Area legend who has always loved and supported young artists. We love you Pam.

6:46 PM - Nov 16, 2017

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Warren, who grew up on the Peninsula and went to Burlingame High School, was best known for her work with the Oakland hip-hop outfit The Coup, which was led by rapper Boots Riley. That’s Warren scratching and spinning on such politically minded Coup outings as 1993’s “Kill My Landlord” and 2006’s “Pick a Bigger Weapon.”

Riley confirmed the gravity of the situation, without revealing any of the specifics.

“She’s in critical condition and we should know more this evening,” he said on Friday morning.

Reports said that on Nov. 13, Warren posted on social media that she was ailing.

“Due to unforeseen health issues I am forced to cancel all gigs until further notice,” she posted. “Thank you for understanding. Love you all.”

Warren is a music trailblazer, who ranked among the first female DJs in hip-hop.

Her talent was recognized by none other than Prince, who called upon Warren to DJ for him not long before his death in 2016. She reportedly jammed with the Purple One, as well as DJ several after-concert gigs during Prince’s final tour.