Cleetis Mack of Digital Underground Passes Away

0:00On April 29th, Cleetus Mack, known as Clee from Digital Underground, passed away suddenly, shaking up the West Coast hip-hop world. The Oakland crew confirmed the news, but they haven't shared the cause or his age yet. He joined the group back in 1993, right when they were dropping innovative tracks, blending funk and real talk. Digital Underground started in 1987 with Shock G, Chop Master J, and Kenny K leading the charge. They put Tupac on the map early with his debut on their join, same song, and kept pushing boundaries with that playful, funky vibe that defined an era. Fans in the hip-hop family are pouring out love online, mourning a key piece of the puzzle. The group dropped a heartfelt statement calling Mack, the soul of their movement, full of warmth, loyalty, and quiet strength that lifted everyone up. His humility and energy will stick with folks forever. They blow up with hits like The Humpty Dance, cracking the top 10, and Mack added to that evolving sound over decades as one of their many talented members.

1:03This hits hard after losing founding member Shock G to an accidental overdose in April 2021. Another chapter closes for a crew that shaped hip-hop's Golden Days, but their beats and spirit keep echoing through the culture.