How did Grand Daddy IU die? Tributes pour in for hip hop legend 'Smooth Assassin' who died at 54

How did Grand Daddy IU die? Tributes pour in for hip hop legend 'Smooth Assassin' who died at 54
Hip-hop legend Grand Daddy IU died at the age of 54 on Tuesday, December 13 (Instagram/granddaddy_iu)

HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK: One of hip-hop's earlier contributors, Grand Daddy IU, died on Tuesday, December 13, as confirmed by his representative and other members of the culture. The hip-hop legend died at the age of 54. He was a prominent member of the early rap label Cold Chillin' Records and earned his breakthrough with his studio album, 'Smooth Assassin'. His third studio album titled 'Stick to the Script' featured production from Large Professor and Marco Polo and appearances from 2Pac, DV Alias Khryst, and Pudgee Tha Phat Bastard.

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DJ Chuck Chillout posted the tragic news on his Facebook account saying, "Man this one hurts RIP to @granddaddy_iu rest well bro u will be miss." Later, his representative, Raya, wrote in a statement, "Anyone who really knows me knows how much pure love and respect I had for him and out of respect for him and his family, I'm staying quiet right now. I do not need to post pictures nor stories to profess anything. I pray for a peaceful and easy transition." Grand Daddy IU was also a member of the hip-hop group Juice Crew in the 1980s. According to TMZ, GDIU died peacefully in his sleep.