Brother Marquis, a member of the iconic rap group 2 Live Crew, has died at the age of 58. The cause and circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
Brother Marquis, whose full name was Mark D. Ross, passed away at the age of 58. His death was confirmed by Fox News Digital on Monday.
Although the circumstances and cause of his death remain unclear, the news has left fans and peers in the music industry mourning.
Mark D. Ross joined the Miami-based rap group 2 Live Crew in 1986, introduced by DJ David Hobbs, better known as Mr. Mixx. The group became known for its provocative lyrics and lively performances. The most well-known lineup included Marquis, Mr. Mixx, Fresh Kid Ice (Christopher Wong Won), and Luke Skyywalker (Luther Campbell).
In a statement shared on Instagram on Monday, the group announced the tragic loss of Brother Marquis. The news has undeniably impacted fans worldwide who followed the group’s journey from its controversial beginnings to its status as hip-hop pioneers.
2 Live Crew gained national attention and sparked controversy with their 1989 album "As Nasty As They Wanna Be." The album was deemed "legally obscene" at the time but was later overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1992. This legal battle highlighted issues of freedom of speech and expression in the music industry.
Another founding member, Fresh Kid Ice, passed away in 2017 at the age of 53. Yuri Vielot, also known as Amazing Vee, was another crucial member in the early days of the group. Fresh Kid Ice was recognized as one of the first Asian rappers to gain significant success in the United States, representing a breakthrough in diversity in the hip-hop community.
On Twitter, Luther "Luke" Campbell expressed his condolences. "My Condolence goes out to the Family of Brother Marquis and so many of his Fans from around the World after learning his passing. We took on so many fights for the culture made Great music together something I would never forget," wrote Campbell.
He continued, "We had recently got back together to take on another fight to get back our catalog that was stolen from us. We will continue that fight in his name for his Family. The Brother Marquis, that I know would want us to celebrate his life that’s exactly what I’m gonna do. R.I.P My Brother."
This heartfelt message underscores the strong bonds and shared struggles within the group despite their varied personal paths.
Brother Marquis’ legacy is intertwined with the history of 2 Live Crew and the larger narrative of rap music's evolution. Known for pushing boundaries, the group’s influence is evident not only in their music but also in their profound impact on the cultural and legal landscapes. Their fight against censorship paved the way for greater artistic freedom for future generations of artists.
The death of Brother Marquis leaves a void in the hip-hop community, but his contributions to the genre will be remembered. His camaraderie with fellow members and their collective achievements transformed 2 Live Crew into an iconic entity in rap music history.
Memorial services for Brother Marquis have yet to be announced, and fans await further details regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. In the meantime, the hip-hop world continues to honor his memory and contributions.
Brother Marquis, a prominent member of 2 Live Crew, has passed away at the age of 58, with the cause and details of his death still unknown.
His contributions alongside DJ David Hobbs, Fresh Kid Ice, and Luther Campbell drove the group into the spotlight, making a significant cultural impact.
The group’s 1989 album faced legal challenges but stood as a testament to free expression. Tributes from fans and peers, including heartfelt messages from Luther Campbell, reflect the lasting legacy and influence of Brother Marquis. As the hip-hop community mourns, his life and work continue to inspire and resonate
