Rapper Brother Marquis, a member of the iconic rap group 2 Live Crew, has passed away at the age of 58. The death of the New York native was announced by the group on social media, with the exact cause of death not yet revealed. Brother Marquis, whose real name was Mark D. Ross, joined 2 Live Crew in 1986 at the age of 19 and released their debut album the same year. The group’s manager confirmed the news to TMZ, stating that no foul play is suspected in his death.
Rapper Uncle Luke, the frontman of 2 Live Crew, paid tribute to his former co-member on social media, expressing condolences to his family and fans worldwide. He highlighted the significant fights they took on for the culture and the impact of the music they made together. Uncle Luke mentioned that they had recently reunited to fight for their stolen catalog, and he vowed to continue that fight in Brother Marquis’ name. He emphasized celebrating Brother Marquis’ life and his commitment to doing so.
2 Live Crew, which also included Fresh Kid Ice, Mr. Mixx, and Fresh Ice Kid, soon became hip-hop legends with their controversial music. Brother Marquis was known for his contributions to the group, particularly on their 1989 album “As Nasty As They Wanna Be,” which was at the center of an obscenity case. The album was deemed legally obscene by a South Florida federal judge in 1990, but the ruling was later overturned by the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The group faced legal challenges and arrests for performing songs from the album in concert.
The controversy surrounding “As Nasty As They Wanna Be” spawned the group’s chart-topping song “Banned in the U.S.A.,” which addressed their legal battles and defended freedom of expression. 2 Live Crew’s music pushed boundaries and sparked debates about censorship and artistic freedom. The group is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with Lil Joe Records over music rights and ownership, adding to their legacy of challenging the status quo in the music industry. Brother Marquis’ passing marks the loss of a pivotal figure in hip-hop history.
Brother Marquis’ death has left a void in the music industry and among fans of 2 Live Crew. His contributions to the group and the genre of hip-hop are significant, with his unique style and lyrical prowess influencing many artists. The loss of Brother Marquis is felt deeply by his family, friends, and supporters around the world. As fans mourn his passing, they remember his impact on music and culture, and the fight that he and 2 Live Crew waged for artistic expression and freedom.
The legacy of Brother Marquis and 2 Live Crew lives on in the music they created and the battles they fought. Their contributions to hip-hop and popular culture continue to resonate with audiences who appreciate their boundary-pushing artistry. As fans celebrate Brother Marquis’ life and musical legacy, they honor his memory and the lasting impact he had on the industry. Though his death has left a void, his spirit and talent endure through the music he left behind. Brother Marquis will be remembered as a trailblazer in hip-hop and a vital part of 2 Live Crew’s storied career.
