Fans and celebrities reflect on legacy of Craig Mack after news of his death
Hip-hop fans and celebrities are mourning the loss of Craig Mack after news of his death broke early Tuesday.
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Born May 10, 1971, in New York, the artist was a well-known rapper on P. Diddy’s Bad Boy Entertainment record label. He gained recognition for his hit “Flava In Your Ear,” which helped launched the careers of his label mates, including The Notorious B.I.G.
The 46-year-old passed away from heart failure at a hospital in South Carolina, where he'd moved in recent years, the Daily News confirmed with his producer.
As details regarding his death hit the internet, many flocked to social media to express their condolences and share their favorite memories of the former star. Several said they were shocked to hear about his passing.
Craig Mack will "reign, reign forever
— Not Bill Walton (@NotBillWalton) March 13, 2018
Rain like bad weather, reign like whoever never"
This one is a shock. Hip Hop lost another great one.
I'm honestly in shock over the passing of Craig Mack. I remember being a little girl watching the Flavor In Ya Ear remix video & finding the concept of using a Big Mac box for marketing a brilliant idea. He's gonna be missed for real. #RIPCraigMack pic.twitter.com/pE6Iji9btX
— Malia ✌🏽️ (@amaliaplease) March 13, 2018
Craig Mack, died of heart failure at 46. 46 is still young. We gotta take care of ourselves
— Wrist twistin' like it's stir fry (@ImQuinntastic) March 13, 2018
Just when he was making some more money from the commercial w/ "Flava In Your Ear", he passed away. R.I.P. Craig Mack. Its still kind of a shock. I was straight-up hoping he was gonna have a comeback because of the commercial.
— AuntKimmie (@AuntKimmie_GG) March 13, 2018
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Others heralded him as a pioneer and legend in the industry, who never got his “just due.” He faded from the music industry in the late 1990s.
R.I.P. to a true legend who never got his just due. As a kid I used to jam "Flava in Your Ear" and 20 years later I still bump the cassette in the van on tour. He's left us too soon but his music will live on forever. RIP CRAIG MACK #RIPCraigMack https://t.co/165CAwrcHL
— Reggie Sears (@reggiesears) March 13, 2018
We lost another pioneer of Hip-hop.. RIP Craig Mack #FlavaInYaEar
— LionessManagemntStyl (@LadyTech13) March 13, 2018
Saw Craig Mack trending, hoped it was music news. It’s strange but his key line from “Flava in Ya Ear” pops into my head at random moments. “You won’t be around next year, my rhymes are too severe, kicking mad flava in your ear.” RIP a guy who did more than he was credited for.
— Jon Acuff (@JonAcuff) March 13, 2018
A few praised him for his dedication to his craft, while also reflecting on his character. Many called him “kind” and “humble.”
Craig Mack was a genuinely good human who was extremely kind to an 18 yr old who had no business being where she was.
— Adriane. (@adrianeisoverit) March 13, 2018
Heart broken to hear of the death of Craig Mack https://t.co/JKsmKq4iR7
— Stanley T (@MashUpStanleyT) March 13, 2018
Back in the day @kidcapri101 and I did a syndicated show called 'Hip Hop Flava'
Craig was among our very first guests...what a good person. Love you Mack#FlavaInYaEar #90sLegend
#R.I.P. Craig Mack when I met you at age 14 you were a really nice humble guy #FLAVORINYOUREAR
— Jesse (@jsinghmpls) March 13, 2018
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A slew of celebrities chimed in, too. From actors to musicians, supporters wrote how much they would miss him.
1994, lunch.
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) March 13, 2018
Me: I don't get Flava In Ya Ear. He's behind the beat.
My friend @evanhr: Or maybe Craig Mack has a new flow, and your brain literally isn't ready for it.
Me: ...
*5 hours later*
Me: KICKIN..MAD...FLAVA...IN YA EARRRR
*Evan was right*#RIPCraigMack
Rest in power Craig. May the almighty embrace your soul & lift up your family and friends. it was a pleasure to know you & rock with you. You $tepped away from the game & did it your way.. I always respected that.#RIPCraigMack
— LLCOOLJ. (@llcoolj) March 13, 2018
Rest In Peace Craig Mack. ✊🏽🙏🏽
— Joe Budden (@JoeBudden) March 13, 2018
Sad news. RIP to the legend, Craig Mack. pic.twitter.com/UZkab0hL8z
— Boi-1da.com (@boi1dacom) March 13, 2018
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About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
