Rapper Grand Daddy I.U., Known for His Debut Album Smooth Assassin, Dead at 54.
Grand Daddy IU, a well-known rapper, died on December 13 at 54. Although his death cause has not been revealed, he died in his sleep: sources.
Raya, an I.U. representative, expressed gratitude to him through a social media platform, saying she was shocked when she learned the news. She continued, “I’ve always had a lot of respect and admiration for the artist,” adding:
Grand Daddy I.U., a rapper who was once signed to Cold Chillin’ Records and was better remembered for his debut album Smooth Assassin, has died. He was 54.
“Anyone who really understands me knows how much true love and admiration I had for him, and I’m keeping silent right now out of respect towards him and his family,” the statement said. “I do not have to post pictures or stories to express myself. I pray for a smooth and peaceful transition.”
The cause of death for Grand Daddy I.U. hasn’t yet been revealed. His delegate did not respond to the Media request for clarification right away.
After being inspired by his real sibling Kay Cee, he made his music industry debut in 1989 by signing with Cold Chillin’ Records. Despite his success as a hip-hop artist, he never reached the level of certain other artists signed to the record company. Since his time in the music industry, the late 54-year-old has released four albums.
The rapper was born on August 23, 1968, in Queens, New York, and decided to pursue a music career after being motivated by his brother Kay Cee.
“I don’t need to upload images or stories to express myself. “I pray for a smooth and peaceful transition.”
Grand Daddy I.U. was known best as a Juice Crew hip-hop group member. The rapper is survived by family members whose identities have not been revealed.
Rapper LL Cool J paid his love and respect to the late artist on Instagram, sharing a photo of his friend with a moving caption, confirming his death.
“King, rest in power. @granddaddy iu HipHop was in your blood. Thank you very much for your contribution.”
Twitter users paid tribute:
Despite releasing limited material, the late artist built a large fanbase in recent years. When they learned of his untimely death, several people on social media paid homage to the rapper.
Early life & Career History
Grand Daddy I.U. was born on August 23, 1968, and spent most of his young age in Hempstead, Long Island. He never disclosed anything about his parents or educational background.
After being motivated by his brother Kay Cee, he made his music industry debut in 1989 by signing with Cold Chillin’ Records.
Despite his success as a hip-hop artist, he never reached the status of other artists signed to the record company. Since his period in the music industry, the late 54-year-old has released four albums in total.
The music lovers well-received his first album, Smooth Assassin, and its solo artists. However, Grand Daddy I.U. began to have a negative view of the music business after Biz Markie earned publication credits for the singles, although I.U. & his brother Kay Cee did most of the work.
In June 1994, he released his second album, Lead Pipe. Despite being included in the U.S. Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, the album failed to replicate the success of his first release.
There were 16 singles in total. The lack of publicity and the closing of Cold Chillin’ Records’ collaborative efforts with Warner Bros. Record keeping were cited as reasons for the album’s failure.
Later, Grand Daddy I.U. took a prolonged break from releasing new music and shifted his focus to writing a song for other artists. He made guest appearances on several albums, and his 3rd album, Stick to a Script, was published in 2007 by the record label Steady Flow after a long hiatus.
The album gained popularity due to special appearances by well-known musicians. He also collaborated with Pudgee Tha Phat Bastard on the album Still Hear. Grand Daddy I.U.’s most recent album, Essence, was launched in 2020, and a single, Stay Fly, was released the following year.
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