Hip-hop artist Sean Price of Heltah Skeltah fame died while in his Brooklyn apartment Saturday morning. Many recording artists who were influenced by his long career are expressing their condolences.
Price’s music company said that he died in his sleep, according to NY Daily News. They released a statement reporting that his cause of death is unknown.
“It is with beyond a heavy heart that Duck Down Music is sadly confirming that Sean Price passed away early this morning in his Brooklyn apartment, Saturday, August 8th, 2015. The cause of death is currently unknown, but it was reported that he died in his sleep. He’s survived by his wife, and his three children,” the statement read. “Sean’s family and friends are asking for time to grieve and process the news. Further details will be issued when more information is available.”
An autopsy is being performed, but there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding Price’s death, according to the NYPD.
Alongside fellow rapper Rock, Price performed in the group Heltah Skeltah under the name Ruck. The Brooklyn hip-hop duo, who were members of the Boot Camp Click, released their first album in 1996, entitled Nocturnal.
Price then began performing under his birth name as a solo artist. He released his first solo album, Monkey Barz in 2005, following up with Jesus Price Superstar in 2007 and Mic Tyson in 2012. In 2011, he linked up with Guilty Simpson and Black Milk for the celebrated LP Random Axe.
At his time of death, Price was working on his new mixtape, Songs in the Key of Price.
Rappers took to social media to post their reactions to the music legend’s death.
“Sean Price went from being a childhood hero of mine to a great friend. He was the most competitive MC I’ve ever met & kept me on my game,” Talib Kweli tweeted.
“RIP Sean Price. Mic God, lyrical Warrior and supreme Emcee,” Killer Mike wrote.
Macklemore posted, “RIP to Sean P…. So sad man. He was a huge inspiration to me. Grew up on BCC. Prayers to his family, friends and Duck Down.”
