Very sad news this morning as Craig Mack, the ’90s rap star who helped put Diddy’s Bad Boy Records on the map, has passed away.
Craig was 47.
What Happened?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgQMMNEALpM/
It is unknown of why he died, but it is being reported that he died at his home in South Carolina of natural causes. But a close friend has reported that it was heart failure that clamied his life.
Mack, along with Notorious B.I.G., was the first rap superstar for Diddy’s young label in the ’90s. He was born on Long Island, but got his break by freestyling over a Mary J. Blige track for Diddy.
He was one of few Bad Boy Records artists who did not join the huge reunion tour a couple years ago. Craig was already committed to his new life in the South Carolina church by then.
He Knew He Wouldn’t Live Long
According to reports, the “Flava in Ya Ear” rapper was living in Walterboro, SC, where he’d joined a church and committed himself to his religion. His former producer, Alvin Toney, told the Daily News he’d seen him for the last time last week while filming a documentary on Craig’s new life.
“God bless my friend. He was a good friend of mine,” said Alvin Toney, who produced Mack’s debut album “Project: Funk Da World” and his “Get Down Remix.”
Toney saw his dear friend a final time last week.
He visited the former emcee at the Overcomer Ministry church he attends in Walterboro to film a documentary about Mack, and his decision to pass on fame for a life of deep religious conviction.
“Nobody got to understand his story,” Toney said. “I wanted the world to know the talent he had. It was something I wanted people to enjoy, but it was cut short because he was very religious and wanted to go to church.”
Tony said Mack told him during his visit that he had been ill for some time and knew he wouldn’t live long.
Mack’s huge 1994 hit, ‘Flava,’ earned him a Best Rap Solo Grammy nomination, although he lost to Queen Latifah. No shame in that game.
Mack, along with Notorious B.I.G., was the first rap superstar for Diddy’s young label in the ’90s. He was born on Long Island, but got his break by freestyling over a Mary J. Blige track for Diddy.
Mack’s huge 1994 hit, ‘Flava,’ earned him a Best Rap Solo Grammy nomination, although he lost to Queen Latifah. No shame in that game.
RIP to kicking mad flava in ya ear!
Fans React
NOT CRAIG MACK. Another icon gone too soon. Will jam this all week and remind my fellow millennials who just nod their had to it at parties who this man truly was. #RIP #CraigMack
NOT CRAIG MACK. Another icon gone too soon. Will jam this all week and remind my fellow millennials who just nod their had to it at parties who this man truly was. #RIP #CraigMack https://t.co/MOWmMcbG7L
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) March 13, 2018
Chuck D
“Rest In Beats Craig Mack”
Rest in Beats Craig Mack
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) March 13, 2018
the best #CraigMack moment for me, is when him, big and diddy was doing an interview and the interviewer asked Craig when is his album dropping and Diddy jumped in and said, it’s coming soon we working… the confusion on Craig Mack’s face was priceless lol
the best #CraigMack moment for me, is when him, big and diddy was doing an interview and the interviewer asked Craig when is his album dropping and Diddy jumped in and said, it’s coming soon we working… the confusion on Craig Mack’s face was priceless lol
— Shemar So Much-Moore (@poochivicious) March 13, 2018
