Rapper Sean Price Has Died in His Sleep at 43

Brooklyn rapper Sean Price, of Heltah Skeltah, Boot Camp Clik and Random Axe fame, died Saturday morning, his rep confirmed to Billboard. He was 43.

“It is with beyond a heavy heart that Duck Down Music is sadly confirming that Sean Price passed away early this morning in his Brooklyn apartment,” a rep for Price said in a statement, according to the magazine.

“The cause of death is currently unknown, but it was reported that he died in his sleep.”

The statement continued: “Sean’s family and friends are asking for time to grieve and process the news. Further details will be issued when more information is available.”

Calls to Price’s rep were not immediately returned.

Price’s career began as “Ruck,” one half of Heltah Skeltah, alongside Jahmal Bush as “Rock,” a fellow Brooklyn native. They released their debut, Nocturnal, in 1996, and both rappers were also part of Boot Camp Clik, a hip-hop supergroup.

Price also performed in Random Axe, with Guilty Simpson and producer Black Milk; and his solo career included three albums under his own name, with the last, Mic Tyson, in 2012.

He was slated to release a mixtape, Songs in the Key of Price, on Aug. 21.

Members of the musical community have quickly shared their condolences.

“R.I.P. Ruck….Love and Respect to The Duck Down Family!!!” DJ Premiere posted on Instagram Saturday.

“RIP Sean Price. Mic God, lyrical Warrior and supreme Emcee,” Killer Mike Tweeted.

“My heart hurts. Sean Price is gone. Rest in Paradise legend,” 9th Wonder Tweeted.

Price told Vice in a 2014 interview, “I wish that they would go, ‘He’s dope and had eight platinum records.’ But I don t and that s cool. For those that don t know. Sean P? That motherf—– can rhyme.”

(In that same interview, Price revealed one of his more surprising fans and friends: Ryan Phillippe.)

He is survived by his wife and three kids, according to his rep’s statement.