Digital Underground Rapper Cleetis Mack Dies
‘Soul of the Movement’: Digital Underground Rapper Cleetis Mack Dies Suddenly
OAKLAND — The hip-hop community is in mourning once again following the sudden passing of Cleetis Mack, a longtime member of the legendary alternative rap collective Digital Underground.
News of the rapper’s death, known affectionately to fans and bandmates as "Clee," was first reported by TMZ on Tuesday 28th April. In an official statement, a representative for the group confirmed the loss, stating that Mack’s passing leaves an "irreparable void" in the Digital Underground family.
‘The Soul Behind the Movement’
Mack joined the Oakland-based group in 1993, during the pivotal era of their third studio album, The Body-Hat Syndrome. His debut single with the collective, "Wussup Wit the Luv", notably featured a verse from a young Tupac Shakur, further cementing the group’s reputation for fostering era-defining talent.
In a poignant tribute, the group’s spokesperson described Mack as more than just a performer:
"Cleetis Mack was more than a member, he was the soul of the movement. He inspired those around him with his warmth, loyalty, and quiet strength. He will always be remembered for his humility and spirited energy."
A Legacy of ‘The Humpty Dance’ and Beyond
Founded by the late Shock G and Chopmaster J, Digital Underground became a global phenomenon in the early 1990s with their P-Funk-inspired sound and theatrical personas. While the group saw a rotating roster of over 40 members throughout its history, Mack remained a staple presence through the late 1990s and early 2000s, contributing to albums such as Future Rhythm (1996) and Who Got the Gravy? (1998).
Digital Underground – Notable Timeline & Members
| Year | Milestone | Key Figure(s) |
| 1987 | Group formed in Oakland, California. | Shock G, Chopmaster J |
| 1990 | "The Humpty Dance" becomes a global hit. | Shock G (as Humpty Hump) |
| 1991 | 2Pac makes his recording debut with the group. | Tupac Shakur |
| 1993 | Cleetis Mack joins the lineup. | Clee, Saafir |
| 2021 | Founder Shock G passes away in Tampa. | Gregory Jacobs |
| 2026 | Cleetis Mack passes away suddenly. | Cleetis Mack |
Successive Losses for the Collective
Mack’s death comes almost exactly five years after the group suffered the loss of its visionary frontman, Shock G (Gregory Jacobs), who was found dead in a Florida hotel room in April 2021.
Fellow members, including Money B, who continues to lead the group’s touring outfit alongside Young Hump, have reportedly been left "devastated" by the news. On social media, fans have been sharing clips of Mack’s energetic stage performances, with many noting that a "page of 90s hip-hop history has closed."
The Verdict
As of Wednesday morning, a cause of death for the rapper has not been disclosed, and his exact age remains unconfirmed by the family.
While the "D.U. Party" has been hit by a string of tragedies in recent years, the group’s influence remains a cornerstone of West Coast rap. From the "Humpty Dance" to the discovery of 2Pac, the movement Cleetis Mack helped sustain for over three decades continues to resonate with new generations of funk-fuelled hip-hop fans.
