American rapper Grand Daddy I.U. has died at the age of 54.
Grand Daddy – whose real name was Ayub Bey – was a prominent member of the early rap label Cold Chillin’ Records and is believed to have passed away in his sleep, according to TMZ.
According to TMZ: “Legendary hip hop producer Pete Rock, a longtime advocate for GDIU’s skills as a lyricist, revealed to his followers the Queens-born rapper died peacefully in his sleep.”
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However, the music artist’s official cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Grand Daddy, who made a name for himself in the 90s hip-hop and rap scene, was most known for his debut album Smooth Assassin.
(Image: LL Cool J/Instagram)
Rapper LL Cool J, also 54, was among the first to pay tribute to the star as he wrote on Instagram on Tuesday (December 13): “Rest in power King. HipHop was in your DNA. @granddaddy_iu Thank You for your contribution.’
Busta Rhymes also took to comment on the update from LL Cool J, writing: “Waking up to this crazy. RIP ALMIGHTY GDIU!!”
His business manager also confirmed the sad news, writing how they pray for “a peaceful and easy transition.”
(Image: Getty Images)
The late star’s friend DJ Chuck Chillout’s tribute read: “Man this one hurts RIP to coldchillin artist MC @granddaddy_iu rest well bro u will be miss.”
The rapper’s representative, a woman named Raya, took to Instagram to speak on his death.
“No, I am not okay. I’m devastated,” she wrote in one of a series of posts shared on social media.
(Image: Grand Daddy I.U/Instagram)
She added: “Anyone who really knows me knows how much pure love and respect I had for him and out of respect for him and his family, I’m staying quiet right now.”
“I do not need to post pictures nor stories to profess anything. I pray for a peaceful and easy transition,” she continued.
The late rapper was born in Queens, New York, and was active during the golden age of hip-hop and released a number of successful singles throughout his career.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
