The rap community suffered a loss today when one of the founding members of Three 6 Mafia died.

He was one of the members of the classic hip hop group that was popular throughout the 1990s, and had an influence on much of the rappers that are popular today.

Lord Infamous was one of the founding members of Three 6 Mafia, and they formed in 1991, gaining popularity with songs such as “Ridin’ Spinners” and “Stay Fly.” They were known for popular albums such as their debut, Music Stylez, and Da Unbreakables.

The rapper, who was born with the real name Ricky Dunigan, was forced to leave the group in 2006, when he was serving time in jail. He died on Friday evening.

During a visit home, the rapper passed away at his mother’s house in Memphis. The sudden death of Lord Infamous is shocking to his group members and other rappers, who have taken to social media outlets to show kind words to their friend.

R.I.P. lord Infamous

— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) December 21, 2013

I don't even know what to tweet. One of the gods has passed away. May uncle Lord Infamous rest in peace. Sad day. Confused at the moment.

— LIL WYTE New ® KOM (@Lil_Wyte_) December 21, 2013

RIP Lord Infamous this was the last time I seen u bro http://t.co/JjZhPUW6w3

— 8ball (@DAREAL_8ball) December 21, 2013

DJ Paul, a member of Three 6 Mafia, and his half-brother, reported the death of Lord Infamous. He said “He passed away in his sleep from a heart attack. He said he was tired, he wanted to sleep. He sat down at the kitchen table, put his head in his arms to lay down … to get some sleep.”

His mother had left the house for several hours, and returned to find her son dead with his head on the table. Paul learned of the news the following morning after receiving phone calls from the rapper’s mother and girlfriend.

Rest in Peace Lord Infamous please respect the family and dear friends during this tragedy.

— Lola aka Boo (@GangstaBooQOM) December 21, 2013

I will never forget the shows we rocked together . My heart is in pieces

— Lola aka Boo (@GangstaBooQOM) December 21, 2013

He rejoined a version of Three 6 Mafia that called themselves Da Mafia 6ix, and included former members DJ Paul, Crunchy Black, Koopsta Knicca and Gangster Boo. The new configuration of the group is preparing to release an album in March of 2014.

#RIP Lord Infamous. . You not a real Triple 6 Mafia fan if you dont kno him, he was a legend..

— PORT GAWD. (@CousinSuave) December 21, 2013

Unlike most rap groups, Three 6 Mafia was able to win an Oscar for their song “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp,” a song that was performed by Terrence Howard in Hustle And Flow, which also earned him a Best Actor nomination

Three 6 Mafia was originally from Memphis, Tennessee and was set to perform a show together next week with the new configuration of the group.

Through these he will never be forgotten, #RIPLordInfamous @DJPAULKOM @therealjuicyj @GangstaBooQOM @KoopstaKnicca36 pic.twitter.com/9WT9Rns5A4

— S. James Woz (@iRunDolo84) December 23, 2013

Image via Wikimedia Commons