Entertainment
Digital Underground co-founder Shock G dies aged 57 as bandmate leads tributes
Digital Underground frontman Shock G has died, at the age of 57.
The Humpty Dance rapper was found dead inside a hotel room in Florida, on Thursday, April 22.
According to TMZ, his cause of death is still unclear, with dad Edward Racker confirming that the authorities will be conducting an autopsy.
The musician worked with a string of huge names, including Tupac Shakur, throughout his career, but was most known for forming Digital Underground with Jim ‘Chopmaster J’ Dright and the late Kenneth ‘Kenny K’ Waters in the 1980s.
Chopmaster was among the first to pay tributes to his pal, posting a black-and-white throwback snap on social media.
Alongside the upload, he penned: ’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!!!’
The official Tupac Twitter page offered condolences with quote from the late rapper – who died in 1996 – about working with Shock G.
‘I look back [on my times with Shock G] with the greatest fondness. Those were like some of the best times of my life…,’ it read.
Bootsy Collins added: ‘Oh No, Not Shock G (and his alter ego Humpty Hump). He helped keep P Funk Alive!
‘He is responsible for Digital Underground’s “The Humpty Dance”, 2Pac’s breakthrough single “I Get Around”, and co-producer of 2Pac’s debut album 2Pacalypse Now. Prayers to family & friends. Dang.’
Shock G formed Digital Underground in around 1987 with his former collaborators, and the group released their debut the following year.
But they didn’t hit the big time until they dropped the Humpty Dance in 1990, with the track cracking the top 10 in the R&B charts.
The bop has been sampled by some of the biggest names in music ever since, including Will Smith and TLC.
As well as this, Shock G worked with Tupac on his debut album 2Pacalypse Now, in 1991, and performed on his track, I Get Around, two years later, while also producing songs for Prince and Luniz.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Prue Leith reveals she once went to an orgy described as ‘room after room of bouncing bottoms’
