Shock G, Digital Underground Rapper and Producer, Dies at 57

Shock G was renowned for his lyrical talent, but also for fusing jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop. He was the frontman of the group Digital Underground founded in the '80s.

Another titan of the music industry has died. Shock G of Digital Underground has passed at the age of 57.

Late Thursday night, multiple outlets reported the death of the rapper. As of last night, no cause of death has been reported. His death was confirmed by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, per the New York Times. 

Digital Underground co-founder Chopmaster J shared the news in an Instagram post. 

“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. And now he’s awaken from the fame. Long live Shock G, aka Humpty Hump. And Rest In Peace my Brotha, Greg Jacobs!!!”

Following a move to the Bay Area in the ‘80s, Shock G and Chopmaster J created Digital Underground with Kenny-K. What followed was their debut album Sex Packets in 1990, it sold a million copies and featured the beloved single “The Humpty Dance.” Released in the summer of 1989, “The Humpty Dance” went on to become their most successful record. Five more albums followed over the course of 18 years, their last would be Cuz a D.U. Party Don’t Stop! (2008).