HOME / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

How did Grand Daddy IU die? Tributes pour in for hip hop legend 'Smooth Assassin' who died at 54

Grand Daddy IU's third studio album had appearances from 2Pac, DV Alias Khryst, and Pudgee Tha Phat Bastard

HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK: One of hip-hop's earlier contributors, Grand Daddy IU, died on Tuesday, December 13, as confirmed by his representative and other members of the culture. The hip-hop legend died at the age of 54. He was a prominent member of the early rap label Cold Chillin' Records and earned his breakthrough with his studio album, 'Smooth Assassin'. His third studio album titled 'Stick to the Script' featured production from Large Professor and Marco Polo and appearances from 2Pac, DV Alias Khryst, and Pudgee Tha Phat Bastard.

DJ Chuck Chillout posted the tragic news on his Facebook account saying, "Man this one hurts RIP to @granddaddy_iu rest well bro u will be miss." Later, his representative, Raya, wrote in a statement, "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. I do not need to post pictures nor stories to profess anything. I pray for a peaceful and easy transition." Grand Daddy IU was also a member of the hip-hop group Juice Crew in the 1980s. According to TMZ, GDIU died peacefully in his sleep. 

READ MORE

How did Bruno ‘Pop N’ Taco’ Falcon die? Hip-hop icon, 58, taught dance moves to Michael Jackson

How did Tame One die? 'Rest in peace, king,' say shocked fans as Artifacts rapper dies at age 52

Tributes pour in for Grand Daddy IU

LL Cool J came forward and remembered GDIU saying, "Rest in power King. HipHop was in your DNA. @granddaddy_iu Thank You for your contribution." Pete Rock remembered the hip-hop artist saying, "GRAND DADDY IU YOU WERE A GREAT PERSON AND IM SAD RIGHT NOW." RA the Rugges Man tweeted, "Worst news ever. REST IN PEACE to GRAND DADDY I.U. the legendary MC/ Lyricist / Ghost writer / producer. Hempstead, Long Island's own #SmoothAssassin" 

One fan remembered him, "RIP to Hempstead, Long Island's own Grand Daddy I.U., signed to Cold Chillin' in 1989 by his friend and fellow LI legend Biz Markie. Always loved this video. (And I also love how this is ripped straight from a VHS recording of @VideoMusicBox.)" Another user wrote, "Rest in Power to the smooth Assassin Grand Daddy I.U. Another legend gone… Thank you for your contribution to Hip Hop. My condolences to his family and friends." One more fan mourned the death of Grand Daddy and said, "RIP Grand Daddy I.U. I remember buying his debut album based purely off the Biz Markie/Cold Chillin connection and it ended up being one of my all time favourites - love ‘Lead Pipe’ too - these are going on the turntable now out of respect for another sad sad loss"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online