Harlem rapper Rob Black, born Robert Ross and the best known Bad Boy artist for his 2000 hit “Whoa,” has died at the age of 51.
The death was confirmed by former label partner Mark Curry, who posted an emotional video message Saturday on Instagram.
“Rob died about an hour ago,” Curry said as he walked down the street with tears streaming down his face.
“I don’t know where to start, but I thank everyone for the donations.”
He added: “We have lost a lot [of] legends and we can no longer afford to lose ”.
Curry had shared last week a call from GoFundMe to help Ross “find a home, pay for medical help and stability during these difficult times.”
The appeal was launched after the hip-hop community worried about Ross, who had recalled the late DMX from a hospital bed, in a series of videos describing his many medical problems.
DJ Self shared Ross’s Instagram post series last week by DJ Self.
“I have been dealing with this for five years. Four times. I don’t know what to tell you … I don’t have a house to live in “, said the rapper.
Black Rob joined Puff Daddy’s Bad Boy Records in the mid-90s and will be remembered forever for his simple and contagious single from his debut album “Life Story”.
“Wow!” reached 43 on the Billboard Top 100, but the jam of the summer party continues to be heard from neighborhood music teams in the five districts more than 20 years later.
Black Rob was also best known for his verse on P Diddy’s “Bad Boy For Life,” alongside Curry.