Atlanta music producer killed in shooting at Brookhaven apartments

BROOKHAVEN, Ga. - The Atlanta music community has lost a prominent music producer and engineer.

One of Clinton "D-Billz" Dorsey's business partners tells FOX 5 the producer was shot at a Brookhaven apartment complex on Thursday morning.

Police confirmed that a shooting happened around 11:48 a.m. at the Arium Lenox Park Apartments on the 2100 block of Gables Drive.

While authorities say a man was found at the apartment complex with a gunshot wound to his chest, they have not identified the victim in the shooting as Dorsey.

The scene at the Brookhaven apartment complex.

Kal Austin, his business partner, said the elder Dorsey was with his son, 23-year-old Ed Dorsey, visiting him at his apartment Thursday. Austin says he had stepped out for a moment and that's when the Dorsey's got into an argument. 

Brookhaven police say Ed Dorsey had a gun.

"That argument turned to being physical, and that turned to Mr. Dorsey, retrieving a firearm, and shooting Clinton Dorsey," said Brookhaven Police Sgt. John Clifford.

Ed Dorsey was booked into the DeKalb County Jail. 

Austin says this hurts in more ways than one because he's close to both father and son. 

"It was a situation that went too far, but that was probably something that was deeply rooted as their relationship as father and son," said Austin. 

Who was Clinton "D-Billz" Dorsey?

Dorsey, who went by the nicknames "D-Billz" and "D-Billy," was born and raised around Washington, D.C., but he made his mark on music when he moved to Atlanta.

Through his production, Beats by D-Billz LLC, he worked with both established and emerging artists, including Da Baby, Lil Baby, City Girls, Lil Boosie, and YFN Lucci.

"He was a two-time platinum producer. He worked with a lot of Atlanta artists, Lil Baby, YFM Lucci, a lot of people, he's made his mark in the city," said Austin.

(Courtesy of the family)

"His contributions to the music scene were immense, with hits like ‘Throat Baby’ from BRS Kash standing as a testament to his talent and creativity," business partner Derk Whitlock told FOX 5.

Austin says in addition to his contributions to the music scene, his friend also had a thriving dog breeding business.

"Dorsey Kennels. He bred French bulldogs, frenchies, That was something that was very lucrative for him, he had a big love and passion for it, just as much as the music," said Austin. 

Dorsey owned that business with his son.

Members of the music community say D-Billz will be remembered for his warmth, creativity and dedication to his craft. 

"Rest in peace my good brother, I love you," said Austin.

Williams says plans for a memorial in Dorsey's honor are in the works.