Sean Price Dies: Heltah Skeltah Rapper Passes Away At 43
Sean Price, the Brooklyn rapper who was perhaps most famous for his work in the rap group Heltah Skeltah, died in his sleep Friday night, Billboard is reporting.
A statement from Price’s management provided a few additional details about Sean’s death.
“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. The cause of death is currently unknown, but it was reported that he died in his sleep. 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.”
Price’s career began in the middle 1990s, when he performed under the name “Ruck.” Teaming up with Jahmal Bush, who performed as “Rock,” Price and Bush formed the group Heltah Skeltah, whose first album, Nocturnal, dropped in 1996, according to People. Price and Bush also performed in the rap “supergroup” Boot Camp Clik.
Price also lent his talents to rap act Random Axe, with Guilty Simpson. Price’s solo career includes three albums released under his own name (unusual among rappers). His most recent, Mic Tyson, dropped in 2012. Price was said to be working on a mixtape, Songs in the Key of Price, for release later this year.
Sean Price’s friends and colleagues in the rap community took to social media to express their sadness at their friend’s death. DJ Premiere posted a heartfelt note on Instagram about his friend’s passing.
“R.I.P. Ruck….Love and Respect to The Duck Down Family!!!”
Other rappers took to Twitter to express their sadness at Sean’s death.
My heart hurts. Sean Price is gone. Rest in Paradise legend.
— 9th Wonder (@9thwonder) August 8, 2015
RIP Sean Price. Mic God, lyrical Warrior and supreme Emcee — Killer Mike (@KillerMike) August 8, 2015
This is the worst. To the legend…and big man with a big heart and big sense of humor…we love you Sean Price. RIP.
— Rapsody (@rapsody) August 8, 2015
R.I.P Sean Price….a legend
— Maverick Sabre (@MaverickSabre) August 8, 2015
The condolences Sean is receiving from the rap community seem to indicate that, in a sense, his dying wish has come true. In a 2014 interview, Price intimated that he hoped he’d be remembered for his rhyming skills.
“I wish that they would go, ‘He’s dope and had eight platinum records.’ But I don’t and that’s cool. For those that don’t know. Sean P? That motherf****r can rhyme.”
As of this post, it’s not clear if Sean Price’s upcoming mixtape will still be released at its originally-scheduled time.
[Image courtesy of: Getty Images/Mike Lawrie]
