Craig Mack, the 1st rap artist signed to Sean Combs’ Bad Boy Records, has died at age 46, his producer confirmed to the NY Daily News.
Mack, who is best known for his ’90s hit single “Flava In Ya Ear,” died Monday of heart failure at a hospital near his home in Walterboro, S.C.
Alvin Toney, a close friend who produced Mack’s albums, Project: Funk Da World and Get Down Remix, visited Mack last week at the Overcomer Ministry Church in Walterboro to film a documentary on the rapper’s life.
Toney tells the News that Mack had been sick for some time.
“God bless my friend. He was a good friend of mine,” said Toney.
“Nobody got to understand his story. I wanted the world to know the talent he had. It was something I wanted people to enjoy, but it was cut short because he was very religious and wanted to go to church.”
Another lifelong friend, rap veteran DJ Scratch remembered Mack on Instagram.com early Tuesday:
“I just got a disturbing phone call. I cannot believe this dude is gone. He just reached out a couple of weeks ago for me to speak on his documentary about his life.”
Other legendary hip-hop veterans remembered Mack on social media, including DJ Funkmaster Flex and rapper Biz Markie.
As of Tuesday morning, rap mogul Combs, who helped launch Mack’s career, had yet to speak on his death.
Hip-hop historian Brian @_Valtown_ thinks he knows why.
According to Brian, Combs, 48, and Mack parted ways on unfriendly terms in the ’90s after Combs shelved the MC’s sophomore album and dropped him from the label in favor of newcomer the Notorious B.I.G.
“Craig Mack did Flava in Ya Ear for Puff as a business thing, but Puff was focused on Big. While they’re on Yo! MTV Raps, he lies about Mack’s second album coming out, which never happened because Puff dropped him after his album only went Gold.”
Brian also uploaded a video to Twitter that shows Mack with a skeptical look on his face when Combs mentioned Mack’s 2nd album dropping.
Mack, who credited rap legend Parrish Smith, of EPMD, with discovering him, is survived by a wife and 2 adult children.
Craig Mack did Flava in Ya Ear for Puff as a business thing, but Puff was focused on Big. While they’re on Yo! MTV Raps, he lies about Mack’s second album coming out, which never happened because Puff dropped him after his album only went Gold. Peep the look on Mack’s face. pic.twitter.com/HCiph3qfEK
— Brian (@_ValTown_) March 13, 2018
I always wanted to know what ever happened to Craig Mack, his music provides a lot of memories…I am not surprised about the whole Puff situation. But rest on Mack! Prayers for his family.
Rest In Peace!
To one of the legends who had one of THEE LIVEST beat drop intros (0.10) to a rap song EVER! They don’t make rap like THAT anymore.
And just like a piece of Sizzilean……
You won’t be around next year….
Stamina like Bruce Jenner…
This sh!t is on REPEAT!
As with everything else that Puff touched, probably vanished. Him, Carl Thomas, the Lox (I think). Didn’t 112 use to be on the payroll as well? Yeah. They made music that I STILL listen to CURRENTLY.
Oh no! Diddy’s gonna inundate ig with posts… which will be good, this time.
Rest easy Bredrin
RIP legend! Condolences to family and friends..
The secrets he died with. Puff seems to be on top and stay on top, but he seems to be gutter and selfish as FUCK! I’ve always heard if you want to make money, and become a millionaire, you must step on a few heads and hands along the way.
I always thought about Karma…….”Just a thought”
Oh no!! 46 is too young to die of heart failure. RIP sir you were a legend.
Puff hit him up for the Bad Boy Reunion tour, to no avail.
They may have parted on sour terms but 20+ years later did not seem to be on bad terms.
112 and Carl Thomas still hanging on – they are touring and 112 put out a new single earlier this year. Just fyi ;).
I wonder what else was behind the decision not to keep producing Mack. Gold and a Grammy nomination for a debut album is respectable! I don’t see just dropping someone after that. Something there doesn’t make sense.
Whatever the case, I guess it doesn’t matter now. May Mack R.I.P. and condolences to his family (didn’t know he was a religious family man. Interesting!)
RIP to Craig Mack
Ish was the joint!!!
Rest easy Craig «Flava» Mack!
I was listening to 112 not too long ago and forgot how many cuts they have. That Can I Touch You, and QParker’s version of 1+1 is so hot to me.
Other notables (in no particular order):
Love You Like I Did
Now That We’re Done
Stay (with Faith Evans)
Fly High bew
Chile saw their album in Walmart yesterday they have a album out
Yeah I remember they did an interview. I didn’t pick up the album yet, but Carl Thomas & 112 just put on a show after a bball game here. A lot of the 90s acts are doing that these days.
“Just. Like. Uniblab. Robotic kickin flab.” RIP brotha. Favorite Puffy production to date!
RIP C.Mack.
Crazy Like dat Glue. RIP Craig MACK
oh no . .. R.I.P Craig.that’s way too young to leave this earth already. May he rest in eternal peace.
Hip Hop was addicting back then so much creativity an talent it was an embarassment of riches compared to the state of Hip Hop today, RIP
& its ?!
Oooh noooo! https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/104ed2dab7e52734b7e0490c7be0fca6c11088a784238ec67060c88060a48623.jpg
Crazy part was about 2 months ago I couldn’t sleep and saw the dopest documentary on him on YouTube. Don’t even know how I got on it.
https://youtu.be/PKnBP7YNyzk
Second thing. He passed away in Walterboro SC. Which I had NEVER heard of, until my own dad passed away there too last year. And that is where Kamaiyah Mobley, the girl stolen at birth grew up. All so crazy to me. It’s a tiny tiny place. No more than 4k people. If THAT.
RIP to you Craig.
Thanks for the link, I will have to watch later. Back when music was dope. RIP Craig
As usual Sandra your article in Craig Mack is the best and real I read. May he rest in peace. This young mumble rappers will never know true Hip Hop. This article also show Diddy true colors man. He messed over every artist on his label. I mean this video is cringe worthy at its best. Diddy is the devil!
“he was very religious and wanted to go to church.”
_______________
Good to know…RIP?
So sad. He was a good rapper, it’s a shame his full potential was never realised.
I remember watching that clip when it cam on Yo! MTV Raps.
RIP Craig Mack
It’s coming
ALL OF THIS!! YES, i just said Diddy is the devil ???? something very sinister about him.
Sure the hell WAS. What a time it was to be alive. Craig will always be associated with my hs memories.
Diddy is DIRTY,uggh!! Rest easy Craig. Glad he found the Lord.
Yeah, you probably dont go from zero to being worth hundreds of millions of dollars without stepping on some heads & hands along the way.
None of is artist from back then Millionaire. Not because of themselves because Diddy cheated them. So most turned to the street and crimes to support themselves. He evil as hell!
When you compare somebody like Craig Mack to some of these new rappers like Young Thug and Cardi B… really there’s no comparison.
R.I.P.
Awl nawl. Rip Mack dang
Total, Yung Joc, Day 26…..after having seemingly good success, they just vanish. Puff is cutthroat. For awhile I wondered why artist still signed with him….BadBoy was were artist and their careers went to die.
Damn…Craig Mack found the church before he died. He was a great rapper and got taken advantage of smh. I wonder if the Devil will be on horseback or just at the gates of Hell when Puffy arrives….
Exactly!! I used to really like Diddy, but it seems like he’s getting exposed a lot here lately. Look at the look on Craig Macks face in that video! It just speaks volumes!! I ALWAYS thought Diddy was in on Biggies death, now I’m certain. Diddy is a ??? for real!!
How could he be so cold like that? I’ve heard many of stories about this dude smh
Biggie was his money train, I don’t think he had anything to do with his murder. He definitely robs his artists, tho
was a good song
SMDH #ripcm
RIP. Aww man. One of my faves.
RIP Craig…this song takes me biiiiiike!
Mine too!!
The LOVE of money is the root of ALL evil. People do the lowest things for money!!
You just said Mack declined Puffy’s offer to do the tour.
My condolences to his family.
I feel what you’re saying but I do think he was involved . I think he knew something that’s why he rode in a seperate SUV than biggie the night of his death.
Wow! These rappers are dying YOUNG! Younger than the R&B singers it seems. Not getting those medical checkups? Not following doctor’s orders? Not being able to afford medicines? Sad.
RIP loved his music! xoxo
RIP
Sleep in peace Craig Mack
Don’t forget O-Town (white group) and Da Band.
I heard he was really into god. There must been some stuff during badboy heyday. Mace and him and dude in isreal got real religious.
On The Art of Organized Noise documentary, Rico Wade said Puffy would take his artists publishing checks.
Artists are worth more when they die. I’m willing to bet Diddy was involved.
I never not ONCE got a “like” vibe for Diddy. He’s always seemed like a snake to me. ALWAYS!
“Friends and families” hire hitmen everyday, B. LOL
LOL
Hopefully some of his victims will start a #DiddyDidIt movement.
I have everything Carl ever made. I would have loved to been at that concert. Just went to the 90’s block party back in November. PACKED HOUSE!
Why are all the artists from Bad Boy, sans Biggie’s estate, all broke? I think Puff knew better than to mess with Miss Wallace, so he gave her what she deserved. Why is Faith performing at Crenshaw Plaza? Kim got IRS problems, the list goes on. Where is Carl Thomas?
Gone on to peace! Wow! He did that with FLAVOR IN YOUR EARS…. That hot bring back sooooo many memories…
Yes.. He used to put his exotic cars in there video and charge them over $500 dollars a day for it. and he directed they videos! how greedy can you be to struggling artist?
“Now hold up, let’s make this official.. Everybody let’s agree that MC’s need a tissue.” Well I need a tissue Craig, rest in peace my brother and thank you for making us shake our azzes in ’94. WOOH!!!
!!!!
Crenshaw Plaza? Oh hell to the naw
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay???!!!!
They definitely do….. When there is something to gain. Biggie was worth more to Puff alive than dead. Why would he kill the artist he was shelving other artist’s albums for?
Yep cuz he sure passed on that reunion tour last year or the year before.
Never, ever liked him.
The source alluded to them having a rift for all of that time.
Craig answered no due to his own spirituality.
Bad blood or not, the man quit rap and even Diddy couldn’t get him to change his mind.
They have to be established first. Big had one album when he was murdered. One.
Pac had 4 albums by the time he was murdered and the fifth was finished, waiting for the release……this is why Pac is the Elvis of rap. “He’s still alive, I seen him in Cuba” lol. See the difference. There was no money in murdering Big.
We don’t know what type of insurance policy he may have had in place behind the lights and camera that WE didn’t see. There is always motive and hidden agendas. Real eyes realize real lies.
watch Puff ole opportunistic @shy @$$ unsheleve Mack’s sophomore album and release it since he’s now dead.. he loves capitalizing off his artist’s death….. #BiggleSmalls
Biggies estate is getting jerked also he still owns bigs publishing
shyne is in belize ,mase is a crook, craig mack joined a cult and loon is in prison on drug charges.
Omg! Please tell me this isn’t true. Everyone who was with Bad Boy is doing bad or dead except Puff.
Rap Legend???
Stevie j made most of those hits! He should b up there with diddy! Diddy nvr let anyone get on his level!
Insurance Bruh? Diddy has always been business savy, thats how he banks more than everyone else every year, without having to drop albums and tour like Jayz, with next to no artist on his label. There was more money in Big being alive, Period. How much insurance do you think he could’ve gotten on overweight, drug and alcohol using Biggie? That’s low budget compared to where their craft coulve taken them…..did take them.
It’s called pimping. You give them enough to live, but not enough to not need you.
Ok, sus.
I was just telling my guy this. Yes it happens to everyday folks, but this is really young. That lifestyle, of ripping and running, partying, drugs, and alcohol, catches up to you. Think about it, your in Miami one day, then LA, then Paris. All of that with all.of the other stuff takes a toll.
RIP!! Craig Mack.. Man i ahte to say it but something big must bout to happen with Diddy. every time someone in his camps passes, he gets a major deal. Still feel he has something to do with BIG death. How you get shoot in broad day light on a busy street and nobody knows. Yea right.
As for Diddy’s artist! What are any of them doing. How is he still top 3 richest music entertainers in the world. You aint selling that much likka. I mean he has had hella artist and all are struggling. SMH
The Notorious B.I.G.
Faith Evans
Total
112
Mario Winans
Mase
The Lox
Black Rob
Kain
Aasim
Mark Curry
Megan Nicole
Jordan McCoy
Carl Thomas
Shyne
Dream
G. Dep
Loon
Da Band
Fuzzbubble
8Ball & MJG
New Edition
Boyz n da Hood
Cheri Dennis
Kalenna Harper
B5
Yung Joc
Dirty Money
Gorilla Zoe
Danity Kane
Christian Daniel
Los
Chopper City
Day26
Elephant Man
Donnie Klang
Foxy Brown
Cassie
Janelle Monae
French Montana
Machine Gun Kelly
Bow Wow
big, lil Kim, faith, mase, total, Craig Mack,112, dream, lil cease, the lox, loon, shyne, g-dep, Carl Thomas, danity Kane, day26, da band ….every fucking one of them are dead in jail or broke with no career
He’s always been quite the sight for soar eyes. Nonetheless, I have nothing but GREAT memories of my childhood based off this one hit alone. I can recall watching, Flava In Ya Ear” video and remix and reciting all the lyrics with my right hands swaying back and forth. Good memories Craig Mack. God bless.
So while he’s working on his documentary he dies….. I’m sorry but I’m a conspiracy theorist so you’ll have to excuse me. RIP Craig.
Faith performing at Crenshaw Plaza? ????
RIP Mack! Im glad he found God and had a church home.
Puffy is a dirty low down POS!
His buck tooth ass is such a snake. When he’s day comes I hope his ass suffers soo bad.
Lord, this is so sad. RIP Craig Mack.
#salute
The Lox are doing well. They own juice bars in NYC. Faith seems like she well and Kim has money from somewhere to keep up her plastic surgeries.?????
He had Congestive Heart Failure and Diabetes Type 2. Was part of a church that said God will heal him, not doctors. Was looking sickly for years.
Go see your doctor, take your meds on time, and choose a healthier lifestyle people.
? Add Mouf’ breather to the list ?
I think he did try to screw over Ms. Wallace but she was smart enough to put a stop to it. I don’t believe they have a relationship anymore.
Darn, his song Flava in Ya Ear, was in my head all last week, I kid you not. I couldnt stop singing that song. I loved Craig Mack. This is so sad. RIP Mr Mack.
what are you saying noooo, RIP Sir God speed! sincerest condolences to the family and everyone who knew and loved him
RIP Craig!!
Don’t you worry bout that if it’s true what they say he’s done he will get his dues
I want to laugh but I’m so sad about Mr Mack still that made me chuckle about #DiddyDidIt
Deceptive business practices…
Lil Cease was never signed to Bad Boy. Junior Mafia were signed to Undeas. However, I understand your sentiment.
You’re not the only one. The wheels are spinning in my brain too.
Now that I didn’t know. I always felt he was afraid of Miss Wallace because she comes from the islands.
Yes chile, a couple of months ago. I was shocked.
And none have a career … all are standing in the food stamp line on warfare with the exception of Kim and faith
You’re right. I didn’t mean for it to be funny, but Diddy (allegedly) has been up to no good for a long time. Damaged a lot of folks careers & their mental & physical well being.
Sad that these guys are dying so young from ailments that are suppose to kill people that are elderly
Faith and Kim aren’t broke they still do shows and whatnot. Shyne definitely got effed over tho.
Thank you for correctly quoting that scripture. It’s a minor pet peeve of mine when people misquote it. lol
You can never trust someone who ALWAYS has his mouth open. Lol
First and foremost rip Mr.Mack…my deepest condolences to his family. Secondly, what in the world is going on? You have younger people now dying will illnesses and disease that was once associated with the older/elderly folks. Heart failure, alzheimer/dementia,strokes just to name a few.
wasn’t mack sick and that’s why he dropped out of the game? i’m getting old, my memory is fading.
Yw.?? It’s a pet peeve of mine as well. I believe this scripture is one of the most misquoted ones of all time. Money in itself isn’t evil, it’s the love of it which makes people do the most evil things. Lol I hate when people say ” the truth shall set you free.” It’s the truth will MAKE you free.
OMG!!!!! You took it BAAAAAAAAAAAAACKKKKK with Donny Klang…I forgot ALLLLLLLLLL about that whiteboy!!!! OMG. I still have Da Band’s, Danity Kane’s, and Day 26’s CD in my car….Lord have mercy…Jody Breeze….Gorilla Zoe…I used to love both of them.
You couldn’t help that it was funny you just told the truth!!! #DiddyDidIt? I’m telling you if he really is that bad…. hmmmmmmm I don’t want to be him when he gets his comeuppance!
RIP….#Respect
He allowed himself to be led by a white cult leader who reportedly tell his followers to not take medicine for their illnesses. Well, if he listened to that non-sense & stopped taking his meds that would’ve kept him alive…then expect the likely outcome.
You are believing a myth rather than looking at the facts. Heart-attacks, lupus, diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDs, seizures, FLU/pneumonia and all are not just a diseases that only kill elderly. -people of all ages can die from such.
R.I.H. Craig Mack
Laaaaaaaawwwwwd not a cult tho!!!! Mase is THEEEE fakest pastor on the planet. I saw his sermon and he literally preached about paying tithes the entire time.
Girl Satan with be on horseback with balloons, and edible arrangement, and flowers for his down low a$$ when he gets there. LOL.
Or a man that is knock-kneed AND has hips. #him
R.I.P. Craig Mack
True. So is he like a modern day Jim Jones?
Lmao. Sweetie pies son Tim too??
+1
That’s that good old 360 deal.
I guess a sista has to do what she’s got to do. Diddy ain’t trying to share his pennies or pay what he owes.
R.I.P. Craig Mack
Faith was just doing press for her new album….?
Is she really performing at Crenshaw?….LOL
Wow that’s just sad.
Classic. Rip.
???
Kim owes the IRS. She’s doing shows, but I’m sure not a super steady income. Maybe if she had a regular lifestyle she may be ok. I’m sure she’s struggling.
Rest in Peace…hope you found your way to Heaven.
Anything or anyone that had or has ties to Diddy, Puff Daddy, Puffy Combs, Brother Love, or what the F ever, always has a story to tell. And most times, the story never plays favorable to the snake himself.
!!!!!
Lol
Right! My ex had CHF and had a transplant and is doing great! Like new.
AND thick thighs and knocked knee. Icky teef!
Yasssss….???
Him & Jay Z favor.. This hurt my heart…?
R.I.P Craig Mack You never got the recongition you deserved my brother rest well.
Rest in peace. Thanks for Flava, great memories come back with that song!
Ok. ?
I mean has bad boy really worked for anyone? I mean can we really say it worked for biggie when he couldn’t even enjoy his success and let’s not talk about Ma$e, loon, Carl Thomas, Danity Kane,Cassie, Da Band, Day26 , Dream, I mean I’m literally naming ppl off the top of my head , the list GOES ON AND ON !!!!!!
True story…
Dream, B5, Total, Cheri Dennis, Mario Winans, Black Rob, Shyne…
He is NOTORIOUS! Yuck!
Yes. I don’t know how long he was sick for, or what sickness he had. But Eric Sermon (from EPMD) was on TMZ yesterday and said that Craig was sick. Craig called Eric & a bunch of his other old friends, 6 months ago and said that he was dying. Eric said that’s why Craig didn’t go on the Bad Boy Reunion Tour, cause he was so sick he wouldn’t have the endurance to do shows. Sad.
Does Bad Boy as a record label even exist anymore? Is French Montana the only artist signed to it? Puffy has diversified his portfolio. That’s how he stays rich. Revolt TV & liquor… that’s where his money comes from nowadays. Maybe even some still comes from Sean John…. but I haven’t seen any velour track suits from Diddy in a LONG time.
Thanks, hun.
Did Puffy have him killed before the documentary released..
very much so
Idk I hope she has a new one out.
Oh lord whats with them not paying taxes?