AceShowbiz - The West Coast hip-hop community is mourning the sudden passing of Cleetis Mack, a longtime member of the influential group Digital Underground.

The Oakland-based collective confirmed the death of the artist known as "Clee," though the cause of death and his age have not been disclosed. Digital Underground, which was founded in 1987 by Shock G, Chopmaster J, and Kenny-K, has been a key force in shaping Hip-Hop culture and sound.

Cleetis Mack joined the group in 1993, becoming an important part of a collective already renowned for its creativity and innovation. His first recorded contribution was on the track "Wussup Wit the Luv," which featured a young Tupac Shakur and highlighted the group’s unique fusion of funk, humor, and lyricism.

The group released a heartfelt statement honoring Cleetis Mack, describing him as "more than a part of the movement, he was part of the soul behind it," and praised his warmth, loyalty, and quiet strength. They emphasized that his humility, love, and spirited energy uplifted everyone around him and that his absence "leaves a void in our Digital Underground family and in our hearts that can never truly be filled."

Digital Underground is celebrated for hits such as "The Humpty Dance," which reached the Top 10 charts, and "Same Song," known as Tupac Shakur's official recording debut. The collective’s influence on West Coast Hip-Hop is significant, with numerous members contributing to its evolving sound over the years.

This loss comes after the group endured the death of founding member Shock G in April 2021 due to an accidental overdose, marking another profound moment of grief for the legendary ensemble.

Cleetis Mack's passing is a somber reminder of the enduring legacy and impact Digital Underground has had on the genre and its community, underscoring the importance of every member who helped define an era of Hip-Hop.