Shock G, Digital Underground’s The Humpty Dance Rapper Is Found Dead At 57
Shock G was the leading man behind the unique hip hop group Digital Underground that made ahead-of-its-time experiences, opening new beginnings of hip hop culture. He was the co-producer of 2Pac’s debut album. He died at the age of 57.
He was very popular among the youth for his whip-smart lyrical capacity and comical alter-egos. Born George Jacobs, he developed a new idea to refurnish the music industry of the 90s. He introduced 70s funk to 90s hip hop to get everyone on his grooves. His biggest blockbuster hit was The Humpty Dance, danceable feel-good funks with witty words describing his goofy character, Humpty Hump.
He is one of the biggest legends whose critical contributions in the music industry have helped it to adapt to the constant wave of change. Chuck D, Snoop Dogg, and Busta Rhymes, and others have paid tribute to the rap god.
“What a tough loss at such a precarious time,” wrote Public Enemy’s Chuck D on Twitter. “Brilliant beyond… such a beautiful free mind, Brother. #RestinBeats my man.”
Busta Rhymes added on Instagram, “Rest, King, rest.”
Snoop Dogg was heavily influenced by the musical trends of Digital Underground. He uploaded a picture of Humpty Hump’s jewel-encrusted Groucho Marx glasses to remember him one last time.
Chopmaster confirmed the news of Jacob’s death who also co-founded Digital Underground with the late artist in 1987.
He wrote on his social media, “34 years ago almost to the day we had a wild idea we can be a hip-hop band and take on the world.
“Through it all, the dream became a reality and the reality became a nightmare for some. And now he’s awaken from the fame. Long live shock G Aka Humpty Hump and Rest In Peace my Brotha Greg Jacobs!!!”
Digital Underground’s security manager, Nzazi Malonga, revealed to the Associated Press that Jacobs had been struggling with drug addiction for a long time. It was a very unfortunate incident to find him lying dead in a hotel room in Tampa, Florida.
His family also have come forward with the sad news that he “suddenly passed away” on Thursday.
“The cause of death is currently unknown,” they added. “We truly, truly appreciate all the outpouring of love and concern. Please keep us in your prayers at this very difficult time.”
Jacobs was a free-thinker and his influences are clearly derived from musicians like George Clinton, Jimi Hendrix, and Herbie Hancock.
“Sometimes we’ll combine any two, three or more styles and sometimes we’ll stick to just one,” Jacobs said in 1989. “It depends on whoever is getting involved in the track.
“There’s often plenty of different things happening in our songs, but that doesn’t mean we’re not into the idea of doing a simple rap over a basic beat. We like doing real straight stuff, real hardcore stuff too.” He was loved by the people who are involved with hip hop culture.
