Craig Mack, 'Flava In Ya Ear' Rapper, Dead At 46

Craig Mack, one of the opening rappers signed to Diddy's Bad Boy Records, died in a hospital near his house in Walterboro, South Carolina, on Monday (March 12), according to the NY Day-to-day News. The cause of death was reportedly heart failure. He was 46.


Mack came to prominence immediately following the release of "Flava In Ya Ear" in 1994. It was among Bad Boy Records' first releases and helped lay the structure for the nascent label. Any time Diddy (then referred to as Puffy) played Mack's record for Clive Davis, it convinced the executive to give Bad Boy a distribution deal reportedly worth $10 to $15 million.


The now-classic "Flava In Ya Ear," would go on to peak at no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, be certified platinum, and grab a nomination for Best Rap Solo Efficiency at the 37th Grammy Awards. The ensuing remix featured a scorching verse from Notorious B.I.G. and introduced several to a young Busta Rhymes.


In an interview with Yo! MTV Raps, Craig described his first meeting with Diddy and why it spawned a record deal.


"We meet at this club called the Mecca," mentioned Mack. "Alvin brought me down to Mecca. I went outdoor the club. I was kicking it with my man Puff. He invited me to kick a freestyle rhyme for him. Me, Alvin, and Puff were sitting outdoors. I kicked a freestyle rhyme for him. He was like, 'You know what I'm gonna trade you a record deal in case you get down on Mary J.'S ["You Don't Have To Worry (Remix)"]. "


Unfortunately, Mack never matched the success of his debut, Project: Funk da World and would leave rap beyond to relocate in Walterboro, S.C. And attend the controversial Pentecostal Conquer Ministry.


According to friend and producer, Alvin Toney, Mack is survived by his partner and two children. Numerous members of the hip-hop community have come forward to pay their respects.