Black Rob Dies: ‘Whoa!’ Rapper and Former Bad Boy Artist Was 51

Black Rob (Handout Photo)

New York rapper Black Rob, who was best known for his 2000 hit “Whoa!”, died Saturday after battling a series of health problems. He was 51.

Fellow rapper and collaborator, Mark Curry, shared news about the former Bad Boy artist’s passing in an emotional video on Instagram.

“Rob passed away about an hour ago,” Curry said as tears poured down his face. “I don’t know where to begin, but I thank everybody for the donations.”

Last week Curry shared details about a GoFundMe campaign to help his friend “find a home, pay for medical help & stability during these trying times.”

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Atlanta’s DJ Self confirmed the rapper’s death Saturday on Instagram, saying he passed away at a hospital in Atlanta.

On April 9, DJ Self uploaded a video of Rob in a hospital bed as the ailing rapper took time out to remember the late DMX. The video revealed Rob was homeless and in failing health.

A day later, DJ Self wrote a follow-up post with an update on the rapper’s health. “Black Rob’s kidneys are failing again. I’m here just to send out the message to see if someone can help. He wanted me to post a video to tell you what’s wrong with him,” the post said.

As news of his death spread, several members of the entertainment community shared tributes.

“Black Rob. A story teller. An MC. a gentleman every time I saw him. Rest in power my brother,” LL Cool J tweeted.

Chuck D added on Twitter, “Damn ….. Black Rob today #RestInBeats.”

Busta Rhymes tweeted: “Rest King Rest. Black Rob 4 Life!!”

Black Rob, real name Robert Ross, began rapping when he was 11 or 12 years old. He joined Puff Daddy’s Bad Boy Records in the mid-1990s. He was featured on several Bad Boy tracks and released his platinum-selling debut album “Life Story” in 1999.