"Flava In Ya Ear" Rapper Craig Mack, 46, Passes Away

Long Island MC Craig Mack, known for his 1994 hit "Flava In Ya Ear", has died at age 46, his producer confirmed early this morning. He died of heart failure at a hospital near his Walterboro, S.C., home yesterday (Mar. 12).

Mack found fame on Sean "Diddy" Combs' Bad Boy Records in the mid-1990s before being overshadowed by fellow Bad Boy artists such as the Notorious B.I.G.  His hit “Flava In Ya Ear" went on to earn a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo. 

“God bless my friend. He was a good friend of mine,” said Alvin Toney, who produced Mack’s debut album “Project: Funk Da World” and his "Get Down Remix."

According to The Daily News, Toney had been visiting Mack at the Overcomer Ministry church he attends in Walterboro to film a documentary about the former MC, to shine light on his rap career that was ultimatley shelved. Mack had developed deep religious convictions, and often told those around him in past months he knew he was going to pass away soon.

“Nobody got to understand his story,” Toney said. “I wanted the world to know the talent he had. It was something I wanted people to enjoy, but it was cut short because he was very religious and wanted to go to church. He was prepared for whatever comes, to go home to the Lord,” Toney said. “He was prepared to do that. He wasn’t scared. He was ready.”

Mack leaves behind a wife and two adult children.