Brooklyn-based rapper Sean Price, of Heltah Skeltah, Boot Camp Clik and Random Axe popularity, died Saturday morning, his spokesperson verified. He was 43 years of age.
“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,” a rep for Price said in a statement, according to the magazine.
“The cause of death is unknown, but it was reported that he died in his sleep.”
The statement went on to say: “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 started as “Ruck,” one half of Heltah Skeltah, alongside Jahmal Bush as “Rock,” a fellow Brooklyn native. They released their debut, Nocturnal, in 1996, and both rappers were also part of Boot Camp Clik, a hip-hop supergroup.
Price also performed with producer Black Milk and Guilty Simpson, in Random Axe; and his solo career included three records in 2012, with the last, Mic Tyson, under his own name.
Price rose to prominence as a part of Heltah Skeltah Brooklyn rapper Rock, alongside fellow Brownsville under the moniker Ruck. 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 advent Nocturnal. The primary Boot Camp Clik LP For the People followed the following year that.
While Ruck continued to release music through the past two decades with both Boot Camp Clik and Heltah Skeltah, the rapper rebranded himself under his birth name when he delved into 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 his or her acclaimed 2011 LP Random Axe.
Following news of Price’s departure, the hip hop community instantly mourned the cherished rapper on social websites. “My heart hurts. Sean Price is gone. Rest in Paradise legend,” 9th Wonder tweeted. Rapsody added, “This is the worst. To the legend…and huge guy using a large heart and huge sense of humor…we love you Sean Price. RIP.”
“Sean Price went from being a childhood hero of mine to some great buddy. He was the most competitive MC I Have ever met & kept me on my match,” Talib Kweli tweeted. Killer Mike also wrote, “RIP Sean Price. Mic God, lyrical Warrior and supreme Emcee.”
Price was working on a new mixtape Songs in the Key of Price, due out August 21st, during the time of his death. Recently, to boost the tape, Price reenacted Tyrese’s 1994 Coca Cola commercial on a Fresh York bus.
Sean Price’s discography
Sean Price had three solo albums and several collaborations from 1996 through 2015. Here are his solo works:
- Monkey Barz
- Jesus Price Supastar
- Mic Tyson
