Rapper Grand Daddy I.U. is dead at age 54 as friend LL Cool J pays tribute: 'HipHop was in your DNA'

By Ashleigh Gray For Dailymail.Com

Published: | Updated:

Hip-hop star Grand Daddy I.U., who made a name for himself in the 90s, has died at the age of 54.

The New York-bred emcee was most known for his debut album Smooth Assassin, which he released under Biz Markie's label Cold Chillin' Records.

Rapper LL Cool J, also 54, was among the first to pay tribute to the star as he wrote online: 'Rest in power King. HipHop was in your DNA.'

Rest in peace: Hip-hop star Grand Daddy I.U., who made a name for himself in the 90s, has died at the age of 54

Rest in peace: Hip-hop star Grand Daddy I.U., who made a name for himself in the 90s, has died at the age of 54

On Tuesday Grand Daddy I.U. was also mourned by fellow rapper Pete Rock who wrote, 'Grand Daddy I.U. died peacefully in his sleep.'

The rapper's representative, a woman named Raya, appeared on Instagram to speak on his death as well.

'No, I am not okay. I'm devastated,' she wrote in one of a series of posts shared on social media.

She added cryptically, 'Anyone who really knows me knows how much pure love and respect I had for him and out of respect for him and his family, I'm staying quiet right now.'

Sad: On Tuesday Grand Daddy I.U. was also mourned by fellow rapper Pete Rock who wrote, 'Grand Daddy I.U. died peacefully in his sleep'

Sad: On Tuesday Grand Daddy I.U. was also mourned by fellow rapper Pete Rock who wrote, 'Grand Daddy I.U. died peacefully in his sleep'

'I do not need to post pictures nor stories to profess anything. I pray for a peaceful and easy transition,' she continued.

The music artist's official cause of death has not yet been revealed and he appeared on social media just days before news of his death broke.

He shared a video clip appearing on a friend's podcast and wrote in the caption: 'ON THE SET OF MY MAN T MONEY’S NEW PODCAST.'

He wore a blue, ribbed beanie hat and a charcoal gray sweatshirt that said 'Polo New York' across the front.

Last post: The music artist's official cause of death has not yet been revealed and he appeared on social media just days before news of his death broke

Last post: The music artist's official cause of death has not yet been revealed and he appeared on social media just days before news of his death broke

The rap star — real name Ayub Bey — released his debut album Smooth Assassin in 1990.

His follow-up was called Lead Pipe and came out in 1994, after he and Biz Markie went their separate ways.

Stick to the Script, his third effort, was released years later in 2007, and just last year he debuted a single called Stay Fly.

LL Cool J concluded his social media tribute by thanking the late entertainer as he wrote, 'Thank You for your contribution.'

Loved one: On Tuesday the rapper's representative, a woman named Raya, appeared on Instagram to speak on his death

Loved one: On Tuesday the rapper's representative, a woman named Raya, appeared on Instagram to speak on his death

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