The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of another pioneering rapper after Digital Underground cofounder Shock G died today.
On Thursday night (April 22), the news emerged on social media about the death of Shock G, who played a pivotal role in West Coast hip-hop and introduced the world to Tupac Shakur as well as produced the rapper s hit songs I Get Around and So Many Tears.
According to a report from TMZ, Edward Racker, father of the rap legend, told the outlet that Shock G was found dead in a hotel room in Tampa, Fla. today. The report notes that the cause of death is currently unknown, but there were no signs of trauma. Authorities, however, will administer an autopsy.
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Rolling Stone Menu Digital Underground’s Shock G Dead at 57
Visionary rapper-producer co-produced 2Pac while creating the indelible “Humpty Dance” as Humpty Hump
By Getty Images
Gregory Jacobs, the charismatic, affable Digital Underground rapper-producer who performed as Shock G and Humpty Hump, died Thursday at the age of 57. Jacobs’ father confirmed the musician’s death to TMZ, though a cause of death remains unknown.
“34 years ago almost to the day we had a wild idea we can be a hip-hop band and take on the world through it all the dream became a reality and the reality became a nightmare for some,” Digital Underground’s Chopmaster J wrote on Instagram. “And now he’s awaken from the fame long live shock G Aka Humpty Hump and Rest In Peace my Brotha Greg Jacobs!!! #digitalunderground.”
May everyone do The Humpty Dance in his honor
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CREDIT: Johnny Nunez/WireImage
Shock G of the pioneering hip-hop group Digital Underground has died at the age of 57 according to an Instagram post by fellow Digital Underground co-founder Chopmaster J. His father, Edward Racker, also confirmed the news to
Born Gregory Jacobs in Brooklyn, Shock G found success in the hip-hop world after moving to Oakland and forming Digital Underground in 1987. As the leader of the collective that featured dozens of rappers and producers, including 2Pac, Money-B, DJ Fuze, and Stretch, Jacobs became a powerful and influential figure within California’s growing rap scene throughout the late ’80s and early ’90s.
BBC News
By Mark Savage
image captionThe musician was known for his slick productions and comical alter-egos
Shock G, the frontman of pioneering hip-hop group Digital Underground and co-producer of 2Pac s debut album, has died at the age of 57.
Born Gregory Jacobs, he was known for his witty lyrics and comical alter-egos, but also played a crucial role in introducing 1970s funk to 90s hip-hop.
His biggest hit was The Humpty Dance, a feel-good party anthem based on his goofy character, Humpty Hump.
Chuck D, Snoop Dogg and Busta Rhymes have all paid tribute to the star. What a tough loss at such a precarious time, wrote Public Enemy s Chuck D on Twitter. Brilliant beyond. such a beautiful free mind, Brother. #RestinBeats my man.