Hip-hop pioneer Craig Mack passed away Monday in near his home in Walterboro, South Carolina, according to the New York Daily News. The 46-year-old “Flava In Your Ear” star died of heart failure after a long series of health problems.
Iconic for his contributions to Diddy‘s Bad Boy Records, the rapper was rumored to have been signed by the mogul after a chance meetup in a club that ended with Mack absolutely nailing an impromptu freestyle. Before the Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready to Die became a tipping point for the genre and startup record label, Mack was its anchor.
Despite appearing on Bad Boy songs in 2002, Mack largely disappeared from the limelight to pursue a quiet life of faith in South Carolina, where he was active in the Overcomer Ministry church. Friend and longtime producer Alvin Toney was working on a documentary about Mack’s influence and rejection of stardom.
Mack may have been something of a one-hit wonder, but his historic ties to rap royalty made him a familiar presence, and fans were quick to offer his family—he leaves behind a wife and two adult children—warm support.
RIP Craig Mack! He brought that "Flavor in your ear." pic.twitter.com/DCGgkDtT2V
— Fred Blankenship (@FBlankenshipWSB) March 13, 2018
I am so sad to hear about the passing of Craig Mack. You cannot over emphasize the importance that "Flava In Ya Ear" had on hip hop!
— Peter Rosenberg (@Rosenbergradio) March 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/DavidDTSS/status/973518577004371968
I'm devastated over the news of Craig Mack.. We just finishing up his new album.. smh.. Rest in Power Craig…
— Erick Sermon (@iAmErickSermon) March 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/fivefifths/status/973504129460039680
I am so sad to hear about the passing of Craig Mack. You cannot over emphasize the importance that "Flava In Ya Ear" had on hip hop!
— Peter Rosenberg (@Rosenbergradio) March 13, 2018