Brother Marquis, of Influential Rap Group 2 Live Crew, Has Died

Prominent Figure in Southern Hip-Hop

Mark D. Ross, Known by His Stage Name Brother Marquis, Passes Away

Brother Marquis, a founding member of the influential rap group 2 Live Crew, has passed away. The news was confirmed by 2 Live Crew's official social media accounts.

Brother Marquis, whose real name was Mark D. Ross, was known for his distinctive voice and witty lyrics. He played a significant role in shaping the sound of Southern hip-hop in the 1980s and 1990s.

2 Live Crew gained notoriety for its sexually explicit lyrics, which often pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in popular music. The group's album "As Nasty as They Wanna Be" was banned in several states and even led to the arrest of its members.

Despite the controversy, 2 Live Crew gained a cult following for its raucous and irreverent style. The group's music helped to pave the way for other Southern hip-hop artists, including OutKast and Goodie Mob.

Brother Marquis's death is a loss for the hip-hop community. His legacy as a pioneer of Southern hip-hop will continue to inspire and entertain generations of fans.