Oliver Tree's unreleased song unveiled: T-Pain presents his collaboration with the late singer just weeks after his tragic death in helicopter crash

In a poignant moment at the Electric Forest music festival in Rothbury, Michigan, T-Pain introduced fans to a previously unheard collaboration with the late Oliver Tree, marking one of the earliest public tributes since the artist’s untimely passing. The announcement came during a Saturday night DJ set, where the Auto-Tune pioneer performed alongside Shaquille O'Neal, better known in the music scene as DJ Diesel.

The unreleased track, suggested to be titled either "Right Now" or "Slow Down," was accompanied by visuals of Oliver Tree projected onto large screens, creating a heartfelt homage to the genre-blending musician who died less than two weeks prior. T-Pain used the platform to emphasize themes of love and cherishing life’s moments, underscoring the emotional weight carried by the performance.

Oliver Tree Nickell, who died in a helicopter collision in Rio de Janeiro on June 14, was just days shy of his 33rd birthday. The crash involved two aircraft and tragically claimed the lives of five others, including notable figures such as YouTuber Gaspar Prim and EDM producer Lucas Vignale. Authorities in Brazil are actively investigating the mid-air collision, which occurred over a dealership parking lot.

The sudden loss has resonated deeply within the music industry, with numerous artists expressing their grief publicly. Peers like Bebe Rexha, Kid Cudi, and Post Malone joined in mourning, while Tree’s former partner, Melanie Martinez, also acknowledged the tragedy. His unique approach to music and performance garnered a dedicated following, making his absence profoundly felt.

Following the accident, Tree’s remains were repatriated to California, with a memorial service scheduled for July 25 at the UCSC Quarry Amphitheater in Santa Cruz. The ceremony will be livestreamed to accommodate the large number of fans and friends unable to attend due to limited venue capacity.

Oliver Tree’s final social media activity included a recording studio session with producers Victor Wao and Lucas Frota, providing a glimpse into his ongoing creative endeavors before his passing. At the time of his death, he had only completed a handful of shows on his ambitious 67-date tour promoting his fourth studio album, "Love You Madly Hate You Badly."

Earlier this year, Tree shared plans for a philanthropic foundation aimed at supporting emerging artists. Known as Dr. Oliver Tree’s Art Grants for Baby Geniuses, the initiative is set to continue posthumously, with his family affirming their commitment to realizing his vision of fostering creativity and joy through art.

T-Pain’s decision to debut their collaborative work so soon after Tree’s death adds a layer of reverence and celebration to the grieving process, reminding audiences of the enduring power of music to connect and heal. Shaquille O'Neal’s subsequent sharing of the tribute video on social media further amplified the message, highlighting the cross-disciplinary respect Tree commanded.

As investigations into the helicopter crash proceed, the music community continues to honor Oliver Tree’s legacy both through remembrance and the unveiling of his unreleased work. While details about the collaboration remain limited, the Electric Forest performance stands as a testament to the impact Tree made in his relatively brief career and the enduring affection held by his contemporaries.