Rapper Black Rob, 51, Dies in Atlanta

The famous rapper was part of Diddy's crew at one point.

Respected rapper and accomplished musician, Black Rob, died in Atlanta on Saturday. He was 51. The news comes on the heels of another beloved rapper's passing, DMX, just a matter of days earlier. Black Rob, who was born Robert Ross in East Harlem, New York, passed away Saturday morning while he was hospitalized in Atlanta.

DJ Self, a New York-area radio personality, posted a video of Rob from his hospital bed speaking on DMX's death just days ago. The rapper, who had been battling advanced kidney failure for quite some time, was already on his last legs as that video was recorded.

Instagram, DJ Self

Self released a statement on Rob's passing, reading, "Lord knows I tried to get help... I’m sad to say RIP to Black Rob."

Self was apparently with Black Rob through in his final days and hours, posting a variety of video clips filmed in the former rapper's hospital room. In one of the videos Rob went on to explain that he had been battling his kidney failure and associated conditions for the last several years, including strokes and a laundry list of other ailments. While the videos don't make it explicitly clear, it seems as though he hinted at falling on hard times, possibly facing homelessness, and that he'd welcome his upcoming, "rest."

"I need some rest, man, I need some rest. Really," he said in the video. "I don't want to talk about it no more, I've been dealing with this, man, for five years. Four strokes, man, I don't know what to tell you."

The video is a gut-wrenching watch at a bit over a minute and a half long, and a brief window into the gifted musician's prolonged pain. It's clear Black Rob didn't have a full team or representation by the time he was hospitalized, and was speaking from the heart completely uncoached.

Yet another former Bad Boy records team member, Mark Curry, also confirmed Black Rob's passing in a tear-jerking video that appealed to Black Rob's kids. He asked the deceased rapper's children to get in touch to coordinate grieving and funeral arrangements.

Mark and Black Rob were both popular featured artists on Diddy's Bad Boy 4 Life track, each participating in the music video that was a smash hit as well. Rob had also performed with a variety of other Bad Boy Records performers and groups like 112, Faith Evans, Mase, and Biggie after beginning his tenure with the label in 1996. Rob ended up striking it big in the year 2000 though when his song Whoa! ended up making it to the Billboard Hot 100 and saw a dizzying array of popular remixes.

The song, a much-loved early 2000s anthem, still remains Rob's biggest success in terms of singles even though he went on to produce several more albums. He completed his final major tour in 2016 when Diddy asked him to be a part of the Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour. Depsire appearing on several other major song releases since Whoa!, he never saw another hit single again, with his album The Black Rob Report falling off the Billboard 100 charts quickly.

The rapper, who would have been 52 in July, passed away in Atlanta after over 40 years of rapping. Diddy has yet to publicly comment on Rob's passing, although some level of tribute is expected.

Were you a fan of Black Rob's music and have thoughts, memories, or comments you'd like to share? We'd love to hear your feelings in the comments section below.