Black Rob’s legacy is undeniable in hip hop. When the East Harlem rapper born Robert Ross passed away yesterday (April 17) in an Atlanta hospital, friends, family and fans immediately paid their respects via social media. Now, REVOLT chairman and Bad Boy Records founder Diddy is adding to the late rapper’s digital memorial.
On Sunday, Diddy shared a heartwarming message via Instagram to Black Rob. “Rest in power King!” he wrote. “As I listen to your records today there’s one thing that they all have in common! You have made millions of people all over the world feel good and dance! You are one of a kind! GOD BLESS! Love. You will be truly missed!!!!”
Black Rob’s relationship with Bad Boy Records began in the mid 90s, years before he would release his own studio album. In 1996, the talented recording artist was featured on the Bad Boy remix to 112’s “Come See Me.” The following year, he showed up on the remix to Total’s “What About Us” and Mase’s “24 Hours to Live,” alongside The LOX, and DMX. His range was also on full display on the remix to Faith Evans’ “Never Knew Love Like This.”
In the year 2000, it was the rapper’s turn. Equipped with the hard-hitting anthem “Whoa” and the super-lyrical “Espacio,” Life Story debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. In just five months, Life Story was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). One of the platinum selling artist’s more memorable verses came in 2001, when he was featured on the label’s thumping theme song “Bad Boy for Life.”
The emcee with a knack for storytelling in his rhymes released his second and final studio album with Bad Boy in 2005. The Black Rob Report was produced by Diddy, among others, similar to Life Story. It mixed guest appearances from new and older Bad Boy artists. Da Band’s Babs, Chopper and Ness were featured on “Team” and a posthumous The Notorious B.I.G. verse wound up on “Ya’ll Know Who Killed Him.” The one of a kind rapper was a integral part of Bad Boy history and his contribution to hip hop was significant and solid. Rest in Peace to Black Rob!
Check out Diddy’s tribute to him below!