"Today we lost not only a talented battler but a loving son and brother. Bender made his mark as King of the Dot Champion and a writer ahead of his time," a statement from the event read. "Everything from his paintings to his novels spoke volumes to his creative skillset... We love you man. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey."
Buchanan was recognized in the nation's capital as a member Flight Distance. The trio last released full-length High Priests of Low-Life in 2015 and had recently been at work on a follow-up effort titled Harmony Chlorine.
Buchanan was also a painter and visual artist, with his portraiture of musical icons such as Jimi Hendrix, 2Pac, Gord Downie, Danny Brown, MF Doom, Gucci Mane and more available to view here.
Find reaction to Buchanan's passing from industry figures and fans below.
Bar for bar, as they great as they get. RIP Bender https://t.co/GgI7PoaS3G
— shadkmusic (@shadkmusic) March 2, 2018
Damn. Rest in Power to the homie Bender. Great battle rapper, better person.
— Elaquent™ (@Elaquent) March 2, 2018
For real, listen to Bender's music, his work with his group Flight Distance: https://t.co/Jt0D0ku0lG
— 💰🤔🤟🏻🌊 (@soulkhan) March 2, 2018
And his solo work that's on his YT page: https://t.co/afG5J61nmX#RIPBender
RIP @Al_Bender
— King Of The Dot (@KingOfTheDot) March 2, 2018
The KOTD family feels incomplete today. We are deeply saddened to inform the battle community of a giant loss to the scene. Today we lost not only a talented battler but a loving son and brother. We love you man. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey pic.twitter.com/83sokSqJza
Rest in Paradise Bender. As a friend, human & artist I look up to you immensely. Youre one of a kind, genuine, thoughtful, hilarious and brilliant. One of the brightest, most creative minds to ever bless our scene, and likely the most humble genius Ive ever known. We love you man
— The Saurus (@TheSaurus831) March 2, 2018
RIP to the brother bender. This shit is never easy. Kotd mainstay, multi monster, artist… https://t.co/wzvjA1yP50
— Poison Pen (@PoisonPenBK) March 2, 2018
RIP Bender. An incredible human being, musician, artist, poet and the battler who played a major part in me getting into battle rap. https://t.co/nLt25F4tUs
— Battle Rap Chris (@BattleRapChris) March 2, 2018
We had a little crew (me, briggz, Bender, Patrick (FD) OSA and Loe) was was "Invasion Of The Body Catchers" we never did that project. Do things with your friends now, don't put it off. Heart broken
— Shotty Horroh (@ShottyHorroh) March 2, 2018
Damn Bender passed? Smh I slick wanted to battle that guy cuz of the respect he had on KOTD... RIP to a GREAT 🙏🏾
— John John Da Don (@JohnJohnDaDon) March 2, 2018