Nineties rap star Craig Mack dies

Rapper Craig Mack passed away aged 46 after suffering heart failure.

Rapper Craig Mack has passed away aged 46 after suffering heart failure on Monday evening.

Producer Alvin Toney spoke to The Daily News to confirm the devastating news as he insisted: 'He was prepared for whatever comes, to go home to the Lord. He was prepared to do that. He wasn't scared. He was ready.'

The Nineties hip-hop star was part of Puff Daddy's Bad Boy Entertainment and was behind The Notorious B.I.G's breakout performance on his single Flava in Ya Ear.

In his confirmation, Toney said: 'God bless my friend. He was a good friend of mine. He was prepared for whatever comes, to go home to the Lord. He was prepared to do that. He wasn't scared. He was ready.'

He reportedly passed away in a hospital near his Walterboro, South Carolina home.

Tributes poured in for the musician, with musician and actor Tyrese penning: 'I hope this isn't true...... This hurts........ Damn.... RIP Craig Mack... Big March 9th..... Craig March 12th - Prayers love and light to your family and loved ones'.

Grammy-nominated star DJ Scratch took to Instagram to lament the news, as he penned: I just got a disturbing phone call. I cannot believe this dude is gone.

'He just reached out a couple of weeks ago for me to speak on his documentary about his life. Because Craig was my rodie on tour. He would set up & break down my turntables every night on tour. Rest In Peace Lil Bro.'

As a member of Puff Daddy's label, his most famous single - Flava In Ya Ear - saw his biggest commercial success and also acted as a breakout for both Biggie and Busta Rhymes' first appearance.

Despite the success of the 1994 hit, Ready To Die - the groundbreaking debut album from fellow Bad Boy Entertainment star Notorious B.I.G - meant his rise to prominence was overshadowed.