Former Bad Boy Rapper, Black Rob Passes Away at 52

In recent years, the hip-hop community has taken a huge hit. With the untimely passing of rappers and associates, it has been a difficult one. And these past two weeks alone have been a tough pill to swallow. 

Robert Ross, the rapper known as Black Rob, passed away on April 17th at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. At the age of 52. According to The New York Times, the cause of death was cardiac arrest. Friend of Ross, Mark Curry, told the Times, that Ross was dealing with numerous health issues before his death. Such as lupus, kidney failure, diabetes, and multiple strokes. 

After the passing of fellow rapper DMX, Ross shared a video of him paying tribute to the rapper during a hospital stay. This viral post left many people shocked across social media because of the circumstances surrounding the ‘Bad Boy’ rapper. Many rappers, such as Styles P, called for a rapper’s union. Citing protection and union should be accountable in circumstances of rappers falling in need of help.

Despite his untimely passing, the “Whoa” rapper started his rap career as a child. Being influenced by Slick Rick and Doug E Fresh, Ross credits for helping him develop his storytelling prowess.

In his early 20’s he would later start a rap group called the Schizophrenics. But trouble soon found the rapper. After serving a brief jail stint, he would align with Bad Boy Records. Before his breakout single, Ross would contribute verses to other artists on the label. 

Additionally, Ross would release Life Story, which included the breakout single “Whoa.” The album would reach #3 on the Billboard charts and would go on certified platinum. He would also appear with Diddy on “Bad Boy For Life” in 2001. Which also did well on the charts. 

Even though his debut album was a success, Ross could not achieve the same response from the second album, The Black Rob Report (2004). And before the release of his fourth and final album, Genuine Article (2015), Ross suffered from a stroke. 

Overall this is very unfortunate. Let’s keep the family in our thoughts and prayers at this time.