The Hip-Hop community has lost yet another rapper this month.
On Monday, it was announced that Chico Del Vec, a founding member of Junior M.A.F.I.A., had passed away.
According to reports, his cause of death has not yet been revealed.
“Just got a call. Rest In Peace Chico Del Vec. Junior Mafia,” Special Ed Tweeted.
“I don’t have much details other than they found him in his room,” he told AllHipHop.
Junior M.A.F.I.A., formed by childhood friends of The Notorious B.I.G., dropped their debut album Conspiracy in 1995. The album featured hits like “Player’s Anthem” and “Get Money,” both making waves on the Billboard Hot 100.
The group split shortly after Biggie was shot and killed in 1997.
Following the news of Chico Del Vec’s passing, responses flooded in from the Hip Hop community, especially those closest to him.
“Nah, Chico, wtf [sad face emojis],” said Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s Nino Brown, before adding: “This one HURT man nah Chic wtf just saw u. Sorry can’t talk without crying, so don’t think I’m ignoring y’all y’all don’t [know].”
Easy Mo Bee, the producer behind Biggie and Bad Boy hits such as “Going Back to Cali,” “Warning,” and “Flava In Ya Ear,” posted a heartfelt tribute to Chico Del Vec on Instagram.
“I was in denial all day since the very first post that I saw,” he wrote. “Just didn’t want to believe that it was true. My eyes literally watered up a little bit. Chico was the kinda dude that checked in with me often. He would just call me up and be like, ‘What up, Mo Bee. You good?’ Never wanted anything. Just checking up on me. That’s who he was.
“Let me say something. This life can be so short. So cherish the good ones while they’re still here because any day could be their last. Always be good to yourself and appreciate the small things. The vanities and all the money in the world won’t keep you happy. It is the love of God, family, and kindred spirits like Chico that will put a smile on your face and make this life worth living.”
He added: “Rest In Peace to a good dude and condolences to the entire #JuniorMafia, Chico’s family, and all his loved ones. #KeepYourSoulTogether #HoldOnTight.”
