Shock G — famous for Digital Underground‘s hit “The Humpty Dance” has died. He was 57. According to TMZ, Shock G’s dad Edward Racker confirmed that the rap pioneer was found dead yesterday (April 22nd) in a hotel room in Tampa. As of press time, the cause of death is unclear and there was no signs of trauma. Shock G’s dad says that the authorities will conduct an autopsy.
Shock G played a pivotal in West Coast hip-hop and also helped Tupac get his start. Pac was a member of Digital Underground when he appeared on the group's 1991 song and music video, “Same Song,” for his first published work. Shock G also produced two of Pac’s hit songs “I Get Around” and “So Many Tears.” In addition to his work with Pac, Shock G also worked with Prince, Dr. Dre, KRS-One, and more. Shock G was known for his alter ego “Humpty Hump.”
Shock G was born Gregory Jacobs in Brooklyn, New York but he later moved to Oakland in 1987. He formed the Digital Underground in the late 1980s with Chopmaster J and Kenneth Walker.
Digital Underground continued releasing albums and touring through the mid 2000. Their final album was 2008’s ..Cuz a D.U. Party Don’t Stop!. Shock G also put out a solo album, Fear Of A Mixed Planet, in 2004.