Brooklyn rapper Sean Price died in his sleep Saturday morning at the age of 43. An American rapper, Price was a member of the hip-hop groups Heltah Skeltah, Boot Camp Clik, and Random Axe. One-half of the duo Heltah Skeltah, Price became known as Ruckus, or Ruck for short.
DJ Premier broke news of the rapper’s death by posting on Instagram , “R.I.P. Ruck… Love and Respect to The Duck Down Family!!! #SeanPrice.” All that is known at this time is that the rapper died in his sleep. The exact cause of his death is unknown. Price’s wife confirmed the rapper’s death on Facebook, and his reps also confirmed the news to Billboard in a released statement.
“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. 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.”
Fans on Twitter reacted to the rapper’s death.
11:30pm @funkflex will play Sean Price music on @HOT97 Wish they played his songs when he was alive tho. We listening.
— A$AP Stroy (@iDstroy) August 9, 2015
Sean price’s “P!” adlib is up there with the greatest of all time. I’m talkin Rick Flair, Rick Ross, Andres Cantor.
— Cole King (@ColeKingVI) August 9, 2015
Biggie, Big L, Pun, O.D.B., Sean Price….New York Rap Heaven looks wonderful.
— f0rty (@akaf0rtycaliber) August 9, 2015
Man, they don’t make em like that anymore. Sean Price was that dude 4real, last of a dying breed. https://t.co/4JPBN97HgK
— CHAD A. MARSHALL (@VonPoeVII) August 9, 2015
RIP and our Deepest Condolences to Hip Hop Legend Sean Price. Our prayers are with you and your family. ? pic.twitter.com/l6ROLnfcr3
— Mafia Magazine ® (@MafiaMags) August 9, 2015
Sean Price was first on Smif-n-Wessun’s 1995 album Dah Shinin’ , and in 1996, the rapper released a debut album, Nocturnal , as part of the Brooklyn duo Heltah Skeltah. The duo released two more albums, Magnum Force in 1998, and D.I.R.T. in 1998. The rapper then released a solo album, Monkey Barz , in 2005, and followed up with Jesus Price Supastar in 2007 and Mic Tyson in 2012.
Price’s music was critically acclaimed, and the rapper will be missed by many. He was working on a collaborative album, The Pill , with rapper Ill Bill. It isn’t clear whether the album will be released since the rapper died in his sleep.
Until a cause of death is released, fans are left postulating as to what caused the rapper to die unexpectedly.
[Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images]