TAMPA, Fl. – Rapper and producer Gregory Jacobs, also known as Shock G from the Humpty Hump hip-hop crew Digital Underground, has died at age 57.
The news was first announced by his Digital Underground bandmate Chopmaster J, who posted Thursday evening on Instagram and TMZ reported that the rap legend was found dead Thursday in a hotel room in Tampa.
“34 years ago almost to the day we had a wild idea we can be a hip hop band and take on the world through it all the dream became a reality and the reality became a nightmare for some. And now he awakens from the fame long live shock G Aka Humpty Hump and Rest In Peace my Brotha Greg Jacobs!!!”
“The Humpty Dance” hit No. 11 on the Billboard 200, nearly matching its lyrical boast, “All the rappers in the Top 10, please allow me to bump thee.” It was 1990 — the year rap went pop-mainstream as M.C. Hammer hit with “U Can’t Touch This” and Vanilla Ice scored the first No. 1 rap single on the Billboard chart with “Ice Ice Baby.”
Jacobs’ family released a statement saying, “Our son, brother, and friend, Gregory Jacobs, also known as Shock G, suddenly passed away today. The cause of death is currently unknown. We truly, truly appreciate all the outpouring of love and concern. Please keep us in your prayers at this very difficult time.”