Shock G, the co-founder of the iconic hip-hop group Digital Underground, has died. He was 57.
The rapper, born Gregory Jacobs, was found dead on Thursday.
“Our son, brother and friend, Gregory Jacobs, also known as Shock G, suddenly passed away today,” his family said in a statement provided to PEOPLE. “The cause of death is currently unknown. We truly, truly appreciate all the out-pouring of love and concern. Please keep us in your prayers at this very difficult time.”
Jacobs’ father, Edward Racker, told TMZ that his son was discovered in a hotel room in Tampa, saying authorities will conduct an autopsy to determine his cause of death.
Digital Underground’s Chopmaster J also confirmed Jacob’s death in an Instagram tribute to the artist.
“34 years ago almost to the day we had a wild idea we can be a hip hop band and take on the world,” he wrote, “through it all the dream became a reality and the reality became a nightmare for some. And now he’s awaken from the fame long live shock G Aka Humpty Hump and Rest In Peace my Brotha Greg Jacobs!!!”
Jacobs started Digital Underground with Chopmaster J and the late Kenny-K in the 1987 after relocating from the East Coast to Oakland, California.
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