Grand Daddy I.U dead – 90s hip-hop icon dies in his sleep aged 54
Rap icon Grand Daddy I.U has died aged 54.
The late hip-hop star was best known for his album Smooth Assassin – released in 1990 – which featured hit songs such as Sugar Free, Something New, and I’m Your Puppet.
As well as releasing his own music, Grand Daddy, real name Ayub Bey, was a prominent member of rap label Cold Chillin’ Records.
It’s believed that the 90s legend passed away in his sleep.
“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,” TMZ reported.
A woman named Raya, thought to be the late rapper’s representative, appeared to confirm the news and said she was “devastated”.
“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,” she wrote on her Instagram Story, as per Mail Online.
“I do not need to post pictures nor stories to profess anything. I pray for a peaceful and easy transition.”
His cause of death is yet to be revealed.
In light of the news of his passing, tributes have been rolling in for the Represent hitmaker.
LL Cool J lead the tributes, writing: “Rest in power King. HipHop was in your DNA. @granddaddy_iu Thank You for your contribution.”
“Waking up to this crazy,” added Busta Rhymes. “RIP ALMIGHTY GDIU!!"
DJ Chuck Chillout went on: “Man this one hurts RIP to coldchillin artist MC @granddaddy_iu rest well bro u will be miss.”
Fans of the hip-hop star have also taken to social media to pay their respects.
“With a sad heart Hip-hop legend Grand Daddy I.U. died at 54-years-old today. One of Queens N.Y. Finest may he rest in peace,” one person wrote.
“Hip Hop legend Grand Daddy IU has passed away. So very young! My condolences to his family and friends,” said someone else.
A third continued: “Damn I was just playing “Something New” 3 days ago. Rest In Peace Grand Daddy IU!”
The news of his passing comes just days after Grand Daddy was promoting his upcoming feature on a podcast.
He shared a video clip appearing on a friend's podcast and wrote in the caption: “ON THE SET OF MY MAN T MONEY’S NEW PODCAST.”
The rapper grew up in Queens, New York, and shot to fame during what’s labelled as the “golden age” of hip-hop.
As well as releasing his own music, he went on to work with dozens of huge names – including 2pac and Lotto.
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