LL Cool J praises the contribution to hip hop by rapper, producer and media host Grand Daddy I.U. who has died suddenly at the age 54.

AllHipHop confirms that multiple sources such as DJ Chuck Chillout have confirmed his passing as social media condolences started to pour in.

The news was first released on DJ Chuck  Chillout’s Facebook account as the two men recently were together hanging out in late November.

Grand Daddy I.U. was an artist on the label Cold Chillin’ Records and burst on the scene during the rise of hip hop in the 80s. The late Biz Markie played an instrumental role in his signing after he received Grand Daddy I.U.’s demo tape from his peer’s brother.

ALSO CHECK OUT BIZ MARKIE EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE ENTERTAINMENT TV INTERVIEW

I.U.’s debut album, Smooth Assassin, produced a pair of hit records. “Something New” his No. 11 on the charts and “Sugar Free” peaked at No. 9. WorldWide Entertainment TV interviewed the pioneer who revealed working with the likes of Tupac Shakur and Jay-Z.