UPDATE: Geto Boys' Bushwick Bill Dead at 52

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Update two (June 10th): The Geto Boys' Bushwick Bill has died at the age of 52. Bushwick Bill's publicist confirmed the news late Sunday evening (June 9th.)

Dawn P., Bill's publicist, told Rolling Stone:

“Bushwick Bill passed away peacefully this evening at 9:35 p.m. He was surrounded by his immediate family...There were incorrect previous reports that he had passed away this morning. We are looking into doing a public memorial at a later date. His family appreciates all of the prayers and support and are asking for privacy at this time.”

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UPDATE: Though the news spread in a hurry this morning, Bushwick Bill's publicist is claiming the rapper is "still alive and fighting cancer," according to TMZ. The rep has confirmed with the hospital that family is by his side and that more are on the way. Rumors likely began when the rapper missed a performance in Dallas last night. Stay tuned, as the story is still developing.

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The Texas rap legend was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

Following a brief bout with pancreatic cancer, Geto Boys co-founder and Texas rap legend, Bushwick Bill, has died. He was 52 years old.

Born Richard Shaw, Bill originally joined Geto Boys as a dancer in 1986, but was quickly made centerpiece of the Rap-A-Lot crew's most memorable configuration alongside Scarface and Willie D. They released two albums, Grip It! On That Other Level and We Can't Be Stopped, before Willie D left the group. The latter, released in July of 1991, proved to be their breakout. It was anchored by the classic single "Mind Playing Tricks On Me" and a cover photo of Bill being wheeled through the halls of a hospital after losing his eye in a grain-alcohol-and-PCP-induced fight with his girlfriend.

In February, Bill went public with his cancer diagnosis and underwent rigorous chemotherapy treatments, as the Geto Boys readied a farewell tour. He promptly pulled out after he reportedly suspected the group and tour organizers were attempting to capitalize off of his diagnosis. According to TMZ, Bill hoped to do a solo run of 20 dates for a "Phuck Cancer" tour, donating a portion of the proceeds to pancreatic cancer patients in each city.