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Reggae Pops, Los Angeles Dance Floor Legend, Dies At 70
Nemencio Jose Andujar, better known on the dance floor as Reggae Pops, died at the age of 70 yesterday.
A friend of the family confirmed for LAist that Pops passed away yesterday morning. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year, and he was recently involved in a hit-and-run that only worsened his health. Pops' 71st birthday was supposed to be this weekend, but now there are plans for homages and memorials in the works.
Fans and friends have been sharing their dance floor memories of Pops through social media and on his Facebook page. They posted pictures and video of the elegantly suited-up Bronx native swaying to the beat, dancing with ladies, taking a drag or striking a pose (often making a heart with his hands).
By day, Pops was a land surveyor for Caltrans. He told Los Angeles Magazine that he went out four times a week, and he claimed his energy secret was taking cat naps. His favorite venues were the Echoplex, Vanguard, House of Blues, Exchange LA, and Azul.
Clubbers remembered Pops as friendly and outgoing, and he seemed to always have a smile on his face. You knew you were at the right event if you spotted him there (and planners knew their event was a success if he showed).
Here he is on his 70th birthday looking way cooler than you ever will:
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And here he is in a music video with Lianne La Havas appropriately named "Age:"
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