Renowned rapper and 2 Live Crew member, Brother Marquis, has tragically passed away at the age of 58. Born Mark D. Ross, Brother Marquis’s death was announced by the group’s social media accounts on Monday.
Sources close to TMZ have stated that his death appears to be due to natural causes. This devastating loss comes after the passing of another 2 Live Crew co-founder, Fresh Kid Ice, in 2017.
The group paid tribute to Brother Marquis in their announcement, stating that he has “gone to the upper room.” While the band’s manager confirmed the news to TMZ, no further details were provided.
Originally from Rochester, New York, Brother Marquis was a key member of the iconic and controversial rap group. He joined the group for their influential debut album, The 2 Live Crew Is What We Are, released in 1986.
One of their most well-known albums, As Nasty As They Wanna Be, led to the rappers’ arrest in 1990 after being briefly declared obscene. The following year, their album reached number 24 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and received a gold certification from the RIAA.
Brother Marquis’s impact on the music industry and the legacy of 2 Live Crew will always be remembered by fans and fellow artists alike. His contribution to the genre will forever be celebrated.
