Veteran rapper Sean Price dies at 43

Sean Price, Brooklyn rapper and member of the hip-hop groups Heltah Skeltah, Boot Camp Clik and Random Axe, died Saturday morning at the age of 43.

Sean Price Death Details

DJ Premier first revealed Price’s death, posting on Instagram, “R.I.P. Ruck… Love and Respect to The Duck Down Family!!! #SeanPrice.” His  rep confirmed to Billboard that he passed away.

“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,” a rep for Price said in a statement. “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.”

Veteran Rapper

Price first rose to fame under the moniker Ruck as a member of Heltah Skeltah alongside fellow Brownsville, Brooklyn rapper Rock. The pair were members of a hip-hop collective known as the Boot Camp Clik, which also featured Black Moon’s Buckshot, Smif-N-Wessun’s Tek and Steele and the trio O.G.C. After first appearing on Smif-N-Wessun’s revered 1995 LP Dah Shinin’, Heltah Skeltah released their own 1996 debut Nocturnal. That was followed the next year by the first Boot Camp Clik LP For the People.

Rebranding

While releasing music with both Heltah Skeltah and Boot Camp Clik throughout the past two decades, the rapper rebranded himself under his birth name when he began his solo career. As Sean Price, he released three studio albums, 2005’s Monkey Barz, 2007’s Jesus Price Supastar and 2012’s Mic Tyson. Price also teamed with Guilty Simpson and producer Black Milk for their acclaimed 2011 LP Random Axe.

Mourning Sean Price

Following news of Price’s death, the hip-hop community immediately mourned the beloved rapper on social media. “My heart hurts. Sean Price is gone. Rest in Paradise legend,” 9th Wonder tweeted. Rapsody added, “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.”

“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. Killer Mike also wrote, “RIP Sean Price. Mic God, lyrical Warrior and supreme Emcee.”