Shock G death: Ice Cube and Viola Davis lead tributes after Digital Underground star found dead
‘Thank you for the joy you gave me. Rest well,’ actor Viola Davis wrote
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Shock G, the rapper known for co-founding hip-hop collective Digital Underground along with his work with Tupac Shakur, has died aged 57.
TMZ was told by the late artist’s father, Edward Racker, that he was found dead in a hotel room in Tampa, Florida. The cause of his death is currently unknown.
Digital Underground’s Chopmaster J wrote on Instagram: “34 years ago almost to the day we had a wild idea we can be a hip-hop band and take on the world through it all the dream became a reality and the reality became a nightmare for some.
“And now he’s awaken from the fame long live shock G Aka Humpty Hump and Rest In Peace my Brotha Greg Jacobs!!! #digitalunderground.”
Born Gregory Jacobs, Shock G co-founded the collective Digital Underground in the late Eighties with Chopmaster J and Kenneth Water.
They released six albums, including their critically adored 1990 debut Sex Packets, going through several lineup changes but always with Shock G at the heart of the group. He disbanded Digital Underground in 2008.
With Tupac, he appeared on the song “I Get Around” and co-produced the rapper’s 1991 debut solo album, 2Pacalypse Now.
Rapper Ice Cube shared a tribute on Twitter, commenting: “RIP Shock-G/Humpty Hump. I remember when NWA’s road manager Atron said he had a group called Digital Underground. He played DOWHATCHALIKE video & I went crazy.
“I had to sample DU on JACKIN FOR BEATS and WHO’S THE MACK. And nobody had a better stage show. A true Bay Area original.”
Actor Viola Davis wrote: “RIP Shock G. Thanks for the joy you gave me. Rest well.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments