Shock G, known for the pioneering rap group Digital Underground and their 1989 song “The Humpty Dance,” was found dead in a Tampa hotel room Thursday night.
Born Gregory Jacobs, the 57-year-old’s death was confirmed by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and later by his father, Edward Racker, to TMZ.
As of now, no cause of death has been reported.
Digital Underground co-founder Chopmaster J responded to Jacobs’ death on Instagram, referring to their journey as artists as both a dream and a nightmare.
“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,” posted Chopmaster J. “And now he’s awaken from the fame long live shock G Aka Humpty Hump and Rest In Peace my Brotha Greg Jacobs!!!”
Known for introducing Tupac Shakur to the world, Jacobs was featured on “I Get Around” and produced his 1991 debut solo album, "2Pacalypse Now."
Jacobs was born in Brooklyn, but spent part of his youth growing up in Tampa, eventually dropping out of Chamberlain High School to pursue his music career. Jacobs also studied music theory from Hillsborough Community College before moving to California to later start Digital Underground, and eventually work alongside artists like Dr. Dre, Prince, George Clinton and KRS-One.
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