LL Cool J leads tributes as rapper Grand Daddy I.U. dies ‘peacefully in his sleep’ aged 54-Alicia Adejobi-Entertainment – Metro

Tributes have poured in for Grand Daddy I.U. following his death (Picture: LL COOL J /Instagram)

Rapper Grand Daddy I.U. has died at the age of 54, it has been revealed.

The American rapper, who rose to prominence in the 1990s, is said to have died in his sleep on Tuesday.

Rap legend LL Cool J led tributes for his friend and shared a photo of him on Instagram with the caption: ‘Rest in power King. HipHop was in your DNA. @granddaddy_iu Thank You for your contribution.’

Busta Rhymes expressed his shock at the news and commented: ‘Waking up to this crazy. RIP ALMIGHTY GDIU!’

Method Man also passed on his condolences, writing: ‘Whaaaaaat?! No way! Long Island Legend … rest in power King.’

Rapper Pete Rock was one of the first to react to the news and said in an Instagram post: ‘Grand Daddy I.U. died peacefully in his sleep.’

Grand Daddy rose to prominence as a rapper in the 90s (Picture: granddaddy_iu, Instagram)

The rapper is said to have died ‘peacefully’ in his sleep (Picture: granddaddy_iu, Instagram)

He later wrote: ‘We didnt get our chance rock We had massive respect for one another.’

A woman named Raya who was Grand Daddy’s representative appeared to comment on his death, reportedly saying she was ‘not okay’ and ‘devastated’.

‘Anyone who really knows me knows how much pure love and respect I had for him and out of respect for him and his family, I’m staying quiet right now,’ she added on social media.

‘I do not need to post pictures nor stories to profess anything. I pray for a peaceful and easy transition.’

Grand Daddy, who hailed from Queens, New York and Long Island, enjoyed success as a member of the hip hop group Juice Crew and was discovered by Biz Markie after handing him his mixtape.

The rapper, real name Ayub Bey, went on to release his debut album, Smooth Assassin, in 1990, featuring the hit singles Something New and Sugar Free.

His second album Lead Pipe followed in 1994, after which he parted ways from Markie and his record label Cold Chillin’ Records.

As recently as 2020, Grand Daddy dropped an album called The Essence featuring appearances from the likes of Method Man and Craig G, while his song Stay Fly was released last year.

Grand Daddy shared his final Instagram post just days before his death on December 8, uploading a teaser clip from a podcast interview he did.

‘ON THE SET OF MY MAN T MONEY’S NEW PODCAST @tha_officialtmoneypodcastjoint with @therealelijas @urban_biker_magazine & @iamciaraross 🏆🏆🏆#podcast #goodvibes #letsgo,’ he told his followers.

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