Adam Lee Ramey, 32, of the Dropout Kings has died

The band posts an announcement about the founding member and vocalist on Facebook.

May 20, 2025

Nu metal band Dropout Kings. Facebook screenshot of Dropout Kings' official band page

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Just before midnight today, the Dropout Kings announced the death of vocalist and founder, Adam Lee Ramey. In a GoFundMe created and shared by Ramey's brother-in-law, Jamie Varner, it cites suicide as the cause of death. Varner says the funds will be used to help Ramey's wife and 18-month-old son.

Ramey formed the rap metal band in 2016 after his previous band called it quits. The group referred to their sound as trap metal, a fusion of metal, rap and trap music. They signed with Napalm Records in 2017 and, most recently, have been attached to Suburban Noize Records, signing with the latter in 2021.

The band was scheduled to play at Rebel Lounge on May 28 as part of the venue's monthlong 10-year-anniversary series, featuring local bands.

The band expressed their deep sadness last night through this Facebook post, where friends and fans continue sharing their feelings about this loss.

Amy Young is the Music Editor at Phoenix New Times. She joined the New Times staff in May 2025 after more than a decade of covering arts and music for the publication. In her role, Amy writes about music, searches for compelling news and works with writers who are also dedicated to bringing quality music and music-related stories to readers across the Valley and beyond. Previously, Amy worked for the Arizona Republic, Hearst Connecticut Media Group and Newsbreak.

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