Michael John Ciprazo's Obituary
Remember That One Time written by Keez
Remember that one time…These words feel fitting when we are writing about Mike. Everyone who crossed paths with him carries their own “remember that one time” story.
I’ve known Mike for years. For me, our brotherhood really grew when LDEEZ hit me up saying Mike was looking for beats and T-shirt designs for a Turf dancer project he was working on. Mike was the one who first introduced me to modern-day Turfng. I remember that one time he brought me to Art Murmur (he put me on to that too), and I watched him out there with the Turf dancers. I left inspired, telling him, “I’m finna get back into my art stuff.” From that spark, we started a brand called Dreamers Rule—and we’ve been rocking ever since.
That was Mike’s gift. He introduced you to things that might have seemed small at the moment—a new sound, a hidden food spot, an underground artist—but those things always turned out to be gems that pushed culture forward. I remember Mike always saying, “Hey blood, I gotta take you to this new food spot I found. It’s a sandwich spot, you gotta try it, blood—it’s fire.” And it always was. He had this saying; “I don’t care how old you get, you gotta stay current. And if you’re involved in any endeavor, you gotta be a fan first.” Whether it was food, art, or music, Mike always had his finger on the pulse of what was bubbling underneath the surface.
When we first started rocking tough, he would stress the importance of community. We’d chop it up about the creative landscape and strategize—not just for my projects, but for anyone he cared about who could use some guidance. Mike had that bird’s-eye view, a gift of sight and vision. He could look at things from every angle, and his wisdom brought perspective to everyday life. His advice was always non-judgmental, practical, and useful.
I used to joke with him—but I was serious when I said, “Bro, you do this consulting and creative strategy effortlessly. You know that’s a real job in the creative world, and people get paid a lot of money for it—you should do it. If I ever get a big budget, I’m paying you as my consultant.” But the truth is, Mike didn’t care about being paid for it. His pride was quiet, never bragging, and came from knowing he helped people win. He only wanted to see the folks he loved shine in their endeavors. That was his currency.
Mike was a cherished son, father, and a friend. He passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 49. His birthday is October 17, 1975, born in Oakland California, where he still continues to have an impact. He is survived by his mother, Clarita and his daughter Nanea who will continue his influence in the community.
As Mike joins his father Ysmael, whose memory remains a guiding light, Mike’s life reminds us that legacy is not measured in years, but in the positive footprint we leave behind. Mike has always shown us the importance of staying curious, relevant, and to uplift others as we climb. Each of us carries a “remember that one time” moment with him, and together those memories form a portrait of a man who gave more than he asked for - who celebrated community, and who lived fully in the moment. As we honor his life, may we continue his example—finding joy in discovery, strength in unity, and purpose in inspiring those around us.
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