Kyle Hoyt Credit: From Facebook
The Vermont hip-hop community was shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of longtime local promoter and event producer Kyle Hoyt. According to rapper and DJ Dakota Burr, 31-year-old Hoyt was found dead on Thursday, May 30, in his Montpelier apartment. As of this writing, no cause of death has been announced.

Hoyt, who grew up in Barre and Bolton, was an avid fan and booster of the local hip-hop scene. He made a mark producing shows as part of the ASAP crew with rapper Colby Stiltz and later as part of the VT Union, a crew that included Burr, rapper/producer Nastee, rapper Manus, the late DJ A_Dog and others.

“He just wanted to be part of the hip-hop scene, so he started putting together shows,” said Burr, citing local appearances by Ja Rule, N.O.R.E. and Cassidy as Hoyt highlights. “He just kept plugging away and always tried to include us,” Burr continued. “That’s just how he got down.”

Kyle Hoyt Credit: From Facebook
Hoyt discovered hip-hop as a teenager and was especially drawn to the music of Tupac Shakur. He reached out to the slain rapper’s father, Billy Garland, while Garland was in jail and began a written correspondence with him.  

“That just spurred his love for hip-hop even more,” said Hoyt’s sister, Tina Hoyt.

“He was selfless and funny,” recalled Tina. “When you saw him, you smiled because he had this charisma about him. You just fell in love with him immediately. He was a gentle giant.”

Hoyt was also an intellectual, according to his sister.

“He was smart and a wicked good writer,” said Tina. “He was talented in many, many ways.”

Hoyt worked as a mental health technician at Central Vermont Medical Center and was on track to complete a degree in psychology at Goddard College in August. He was also a deeply spiritual person and devoted student of shamanism, according to Tina.

“He got really into that lifestyle,” she said. 

A celebration of Hoyt’s life is being planned for later in the month. Details will be announced at a future date.

Correction June 4, 2019: An earlier version of this post misstated the date Hoyt was found.

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Dan Bolles is a culture coeditor at Seven Days. He joined the paper in 2007 as its music editor, covering Vermont's robust music, comedy and nightlife scenes for a decade before deciding he was too old to be going to the Monkey House on weeknights to...

6 replies on “Local Hip-Hop Promoter Kyle Hoyt Dead at 31”

  2. Forever in our hearts you will be. One day we will all see that contagious smile again. Rest In Peace Kyle

  3. The world needs more men like Kyle. Honest, genuine and such a huge heart. You will be greatly missed by so many people. Remember to stay hydrated!

  4. Kyle as much as it hurts that youve been taken away from me and mom i know you had a much higher calling you were just that magical of a being ….. As they say legends never die that is more then true in your case…til we meet again brother …. I love you so much

  5. Kyle you were and are a beautiful soul. Your smile will never be forgotten. No matter what life threw at you, you found a way to tackle it and make the best out of anything. Your heart was larger than life itself and the love you shared with so many will always hold deep and true in our hearts. Tina you put it perfectly by saying “you were just that magical of a being!”. There was another plan for you, a much larger purpose and unfortunately it wasnt to be continued with us on earth. You did so much for so many that will never be forgotten. We love you Kyle and will miss you everyday until we meet again. I send my love to you tina and your mom. I will see you when we have a celebration of Kyle’s life. Until we meet again Kyle I know you will continue to watch over all of us

  6. Kyle you were and are my shining star, my rock, my confident. my healer, my soul.

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