On Friday, Memphis rapper Koopsta Knicca, born Robert Phillips Cooper, 40, of Academy Award winning rap group, Three 6 Mafia, passed away from a brain aneurysm following a major stroke he had suffered at his home on Sunday. Three 6 Mafia’s DJ Paul released a statement confirming the news, “My group member and brother for over 20 years, Robert ‘Koopsta Knicca’ Phillips passed away today at 12:55 am CST from a major stroke he had sunday after showering. He went in peace. Me and Koop had just started writing his new album Devil’s Playground 2, the second part to his famous solo album that I produced, but we didn’t get a chance to record yet. We had concerts coming up starting next month too. He also just got a home in Vegas that he was moving to on Tuesday, but never got to even see it in person. Everyone who knew Koop knew he was very funny and the coolest guy ever! He will be missed!!! We made classics together that’ll live on!!! Mafia 4 Life!!!!”
Prior to Koopsta Knicca’s death, rumors began circulating that he had died earlier in the week. However, DJ Paul provided an update stating that Koopsta was on life support and still alive. Only a few days later, Koopsta died. He is the second member of Three 6 Mafia to pass away in the past two years. In 2013, Lord Infamous died of a heart attack in his sleep at his mother’s home in Memphis.
Three 6 Mafia is best known for their 2005 single “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” which was featured in the film Hustle & Flow.
