NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess)—The music industry is mourning the loss of Jason Hobdy, a respected talent manager who spent the last decade at MBK Entertainment. Hobdy passed away on Friday (August 30). Schure Media Group COO confirmed the news of his death by sharing that Hobdy fell ill on a flight returning from a tour in Japan with his artist, Maeta. A Bronx native, Hobdy was widely known for his work with artists like Maeta, Elijah Blake, and Tone Stith. He was 40.
Hobdy began his career at MBK Entertainment under the mentorship of Jeff Robinson, Jeanine McClean, and Suzette Williams. Starting as an intern at just 16, he quickly made his mark in artist management, gaining experience from some of the industry’s best.
Jeff Robinson, CEO of MBK Entertainment, paid tribute to Hobdy on Instagram, remembering him as a determined young man who achieved his childhood dream. “When he was 11 years old, my nephew Jason ‘Hoody’ Hobdy told me that when he grew up, he was going to work for me and eventually run the company. As a teen, he actually did start working for me… What a great life and career for a poor kid from the Bronx who loved to laugh and dream big, running your own company and touring the world for years! I am so proud to call you my Nephew and PARTNER! Your name will ring bells in heaven and Earth!! Rest well, Young King.”
Hobdy’s influence extended deeply to the artists he managed. Elijah Blake shared on Instagram, “Death is such a strange concept because we were on the phone laughing at 3 a.m…. All we ever did was joke, bro… Your legacy is & will be that of a champion.”
Tone Stith also honored him, saying, “Hoody’s heart was so big that he was able to love everyone at the same level and serve that person… A great example of living like Jesus Christ.”
Maeta shared this heartbreaking post, “Lost probably the closest person in my life yesterday on the way back from our last show in Japan. Jason has been the most loyal person to me for the past 6 years since we met. He knew every detail of my life. Started as my manager when I was 18 but quickly became my big brother. Stuck by my side through my darkest times, kept every secret I’ve ever told him, protected me like his little sister. We’d go at it like crazy, but that’s because he knew me so well, and sometimes I hated it! And he was always late lol HAD to throw that in there!!! It was a thing if you know you know!!! But he could seriously read my mind. We had so many silent conversations just with our faces. One look, and we’d bust out laughing about some dumb shit. I will miss you so so so much. I don’t know how I’ll do another show without you. Thank you for your dedication to my career and my life for all these years. I love you forever and ever and ever. So many people so insanely love you. I promise to make you proud. Until we meet again 🤍
In addition to his role at MBK, Hobdy founded his own management company and has been working as an A&R consultant for Monarch Distro since 2022.
Hobdy leaves behind a large family, including many brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and his extended music industry family.
RIP.
