The rap world has lost another old-school legend. According to Big Brutha, one of Digital Underground (DU) cofounders, Greg Jacobs, known as Shock G, has died at age 57.
Big Brutha penned an emotional Instagram post on Thursday evening that bid his friend farewell.
“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’s awaken from the fame. Long live Shock G Aka Humpty Hump and Rest In Peace my Brotha Greg Jacobs!!!”
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The 57-year-old emcee “who put the satin on your panties” was the comic relief and the sex symbol of the old-school super group Digital Underground. He was raised between the east coast and Tampa, Florida.
The California-based rap group got its start in Oakland in the late ’80s, according to BlackDoctor.org. The founding members were Shock G, DJ Fuze, Money-B, and the late, great Tupac Shakur.
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Jacobs was an established producer by the time DU was established. He also co-produced Tupac Shakur’s sophomore album– “2pacalypse Now.”
The rap ensemble released nine albums during the ‘90s. The Grammy-nominated “Humpty Dance” was the group’s most successful track.
In 2018, Jacobs revealed how his lovable alter-ego Humpty Hump came to be.
“I liked the practical joke thing. I didn’t plan it. I get a lot of credit; people are like, ‘Shock is genius—he got Humpty for this, and Shock G for the…’ But it just evolved, he told BlackDoctor.org.
“It was so fun to do that I just would do it. Not so much for business purpose and not so much for artistic purposes, but it was just so much fun. It was like having the Joker in my pocket.”
“Then I started realizing how lucky I was to have this band member who doesn’t complain, who I don’t get the extra plane ticket for, and is always in the studio anytime I need him,” Shock G continued. “Who I can pay, but keep his money… So on paper: “We got to split this four ways: T. Shakur, Money B, G. Jacobs, E. Humphrey,” because Humpty’s verse counted; it mattered.”
News of Shock G’s death traveled fast. Fans’ reactions on social media indicated just how beloved the rap icon and his alter-ego Humpty Hump were.
Just a constant reminder how young hip-hop is and the legends we’re losing from the art. RIP Shock G.
— Mind yo business lady (@bwill2108) April 23, 2021
Rest In Peace Shock G. When I think of his music, I think of his slick rhymes and effortless flow; as well as real instruments and arrangements. Shit was giving hip-hop Funk. His wit, his smooth demeanor on the mic, animation, storytelling, and fun will be missed. ?
— Melly (@MelaninMels) April 23, 2021
Wow.. just Wow!! The last true talent.. .. he created a character. Not a thug or studio gangsta. He created a fun guy who loved liquor and women and a funky beat . After PFunk died out he filled a necessary void. Damn. RIP Shock G
— Clarence Beckham (@beckhamc215) April 23, 2021
There’s an angel in heaven that’s 69ing and getting their rear tickled right now
— dr grrborkian (@dogpants2000) April 23, 2021
This brother gave Tupac an opportunity. RIP
— RicoIsHere (@Ricoishere) April 23, 2021
I’m putting a Jesus candle in my local Burger King bathroom….. sex packets changed my 12 year old life.
— dan (@Dansblueroom) April 23, 2021
Details surrounding his passing are unknown, but we send our condolences to the Digital Underground family and his loved ones.
