Grand Daddy I.U. Dead at Only 54: Real Cause of Death Tragic, LL Cool J Pays Tribute

Grand Daddy I.U., a major member of early rap company Cold Chillin' Records, has died at the age of 54 ... TMZ Hip Hop has gained knowledge.

Pete Rock, a longtime supporter of GDIU's lyrical abilities, informed his followers that the Queens-born rapper passed away quietly in his sleep. This cause of death however has not been confirmed as of the moment by the family.

In the late 1980s, GDIU was signed to Cold Chillin' Records alongside Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Roxanne Shanté, and rap superstar Biz Markie, who played a significant role in defining his career by pushing his demo to the label and producing every song on GDIU's first album, "Smooth Assassin" (1990).

His company manager also took to social media earlier this evening to presumably corroborate the tragic news, expressing how they are praying for a "a quiet and painless transition."

Although his death has not yet been verified, LL Cool J rushed to social media to pay tribute to the late star, posting a photo of him along with a heartfelt comment. He wishes the rapper will rest easy now and commended that hiphop was in his DNA.

The deceased rapper, born in Queens, New York under the name Ayub Bey, was active throughout the golden age of hip-hop and released a number of successful singles throughout his career. Smooth Assassin, the late rapper's debut album from 1990, produced two Billboard Rap Chart hits: "Something New" (#11), which sampled James & Bobby Purify's lone song, "I'm Your Puppy," and "Sugar Free" (#9). In addition to his ghostwriting and producing skills, the rapper collaborated with Das EFX, Heltah Skeltah, KRS-One, and Ice-T, among others.

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As the news emerged, the business manager for Grand Daddy I.U posted on Instagram that he's beyond devastated. The late star's buddy DJ Chuck Chillout also paid tribute online, writing I.U will be missed and this news pained him greatly.

Following a conflict with Biz Markie, I.U. released his sophomore album, Lead Pipe, in 1994. After spending the majority of the '90s recording guest appearances with The Notorious B.I.G., Big L, Positive K, and Roxanne Shante, the rapper earned production credits.

Throughout his career, he contributed beats to albums by Das EFX, Heltah Skeltah, KRS-One, and Ice-T, among others. Bey would subsequently release two additional albums, Stick to the Script in 2007 and P.I.M.P. (Paper Is My Priority) in 2015. His most recent musical release was the track "Trust Me" featuring Paula Perry and Da Inphamus Amadeuz, which was released earlier this year.