Tributes Paid to Rapper Black Rob Who Is Dead at 51

Tributes have poured in for former Bad Boy Records rapper Black Rob, who has died. He was 51.

Friends and collaborators revealed that the star had died of kidney failure on Saturday, April 17, after being admitted to an Atlanta hospital.

The New York rapper best known for his 2000 hit "Whoa!" had previously been signed to Bad Boy Records, the label owned by Sean Combs, better known as P. Diddy.

Rob, whose real name was Robert Ross, had suffered from health issues for several years, which included kidney failure and four strokes.

After his death, tributes poured in from friends and fans who took to social media to share their heartfelt praise for the star.

DJ Self, real name Terrence Self, who had revealed Rob's declining health in a number of Instagram posts in what would be the rapper's last week alive, paid tribute to the star.

Self said alongside a black and white photo of Rob: "Lord knows I tried to get help...I'm sad to say RIP to Black Rob...Passed away in the hospital in Atlanta."

Rapper and actor LL Cool J took to Twitter and said: "Black Rob. A storyteller. An MC. A gentleman every time I saw him. Rest in power my brother."

Record producer and rapper Biz Markie added: "RIP Black Rob, one of the great millennium-era crime rape novelists, gruff but with Harlem slickness, who endured fire and brimstone to briefly reach the apex, before gravity and the law took hold. Of course, "Whoa," which owned the world for a full year, the platonic tunnel banger."

Former Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs posted a short message alongside a photo of Rob, which read: "One time for Black Rob. RIP."

Other stars said they were devastated to learn that Rob had died soon after Earl Simmons, better known as DMX, had died on April 9, aged 50, following a heart attack at his home.

Rapper and record producer Missy Elliott said: "It's hard finding the words to say when someone passes away...It's been tough from X to Black Rob. I am praying for both of their families for healing."

Record producer Pete Rock added: "Pete Rock added: "All this death in hip hop really sucks. RIP DMX and Black Rob! I can't believe I just said that. Just don't sound right. No time to grieve 1 death anymore. X just died last week and BR dies today."