#Digital Underground’s Shock G Dies at 57

Shock G, emcee, producer, and co-founder of the ’90s hip-hop group Digital Underground, has died, according to an Instagram post by the group’s Chopmaster J and TMZ. “34 years ago almost to the day we had a wild idea we can be a hip hop band and take on the world through it all the dream became a reality and the reality became a nightmare for some,” Chopmaster J wrote. “Long live shock G Aka Humpty Hump.” Find his full post below. Shock G’s father Edward Racker told TMZ that the rapper was found dead in a Tampa, Florida hotel room, however no cause of death has been established at this time. He was 57 years old.

Shock G co-founded Digital Underground in Oakland, California in the late 1980s alongside Chopmaster J and Kenneth Water. The rapper was known by many as his goofy alter ego Humpty Hump. The name refers to Digital Underground’s hit single “The Humpty Dance,” the music video for which stars a young Tupac Shakur. That track appeared on Digital Underground’s 1990 debut album Sex Packets, which divided its two halves into a Safe Side and a Sex Side. The record also featured the essential cut “Doowutchyalike.”

In 1991, Digital Underground released a one-off single called “Same Song,” a classic by its own right that also boasts 2Pac’s recording debut. Shock G continued to collaborate with 2Pac over the years: he co-produced the rapper’s 1991 debut solo album 2Pacalyse Now, and co-wrote, performed, and sang on  on 2Pac’s 1993 track “I Get Around.”

Shock G worked steadily over the decades with the likes of Prince, Dr. Dre, Murs, KRS-One, Luniz, and others. His final album with Digital Underground was 2008’s ..Cuz a D.U. Party Don’t Stop! In 2004, Shock G issued his only official solo album, Fear of a Mixed Planet.

Since the news of his death was first reported, countless artists have paid their respects to Shock G on social media. “Thank you SHOCK G,” Run the Jewels’ El-P tweeted. “Coolest, most down to earth icon/hero of mine I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. A kind and pure musical genius.”