A LEGENDARY rapper from one of the most iconic hip-hop groups of the 1990s has died.
Cleetis Mack, a member of Digital Underground, has tragically passed away.
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Rapper and producer Cleetis Mack has suddenly died Credit: Getty
Mack was part of the 1990s hip hop group Digital Underground Credit: Getty
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of death and his age is unknown, according to TMZ.
Mack was a member of the group comprising Shock G (Gregory Jacobs), Chopmaster J (Jimi Dright), and Kenny-K (Kenneth Waters).
He joined the hip-hop crew in 1993 six years after it was founded in Oakland, California.
A spokesperson for the group said Mack’s death “leaves a void in our Digital Underground family and in our hearts that can never truly be filled”.
Digital Underground first formed back in 1987 Credit: Getty
The group first broke through with the hit ‘The Humpty Dance’ Credit: Getty
They went on to describe the artist as “more than a part of the movement – he was part of the soul behind it, bringing warmth, loyalty, and quiet strength to everyone around him”.
“He will always be remembered by his humility, love, and spirited energy, qualities that lifted those around him and made a lasting impression on all who knew him,” they added.
Digital Underground constantly evolved over the years, featuring dozens of artists since its inception and remaining active to this day.
The group first broke through with their 1990 hit “The Humpty Dance”.
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The track topped the Billboard Rap Singles chart and climbed to No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 7 on the R&B charts.
Mack’s first single with the group was “Wussup Wit the Luv,” recorded with the late Shakur.
News of his death has saddened many within the rap community.
One person wrote online: “You’ll be missed, forever loved, and celebrated.”
“Rest East Cuz! You will be missed,” another added.
Digital Underground has endured significant loss over the years, including the death of founding member Shock G in 2021.
The frontman passed away at the age of 57.
A Hillsborough County Medical Examiner reported that he died from an accidental overdose involving a combination of alcohol, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.
Shakur also died at 25 in September 1996, six days after being shot multiple times in a drive-by attack in Las Vegas.
His murder remains unsolved to this day.