Rapper and MC Pumpkinhead died at the early age of 39 on Tuesday morning.
Born Robert Diaz, the Brooklyn native worked the underground and battle-rap circuits for the last two decades, according to CNN. He became known for his gruff voice and comedic chops.
Pumpkin worked with indie-rap artists such as Talib Kweli, Royce Da 5'9" and Murs. Kweli took time out to remember his good friend on Instagram.
"To lose such a great human being so early in his life, man. No words. There is a fraternity of artists who were around for all of this. PH inspired us all. He will live on thru us even though his physical presence will be missed. RIP Robert Diaz," he wrote.
Pumpkinhead is survived by his wife and two sons as well as a baby girl on the way, announced just a few days before his death. An official cause of death is unknown, but the rapper did go into the hospital earlier this for minor surgery, according to Rolling Stone.
He was best known for his hit "Dynamic," which was hit breakthrough song in 1997, and belonged to the label MCMI Records. His other albums including 2001's "The Old Testament," 2003's "Beautiful Mind" and 2005's "Orange Moon Over Brooklyn."
"Pumpkinhead was as much a soldier for hip-hop as he was an artist," radio host DJ Eclipse told Rolling Stone. "It was his presence in NYC that I'll remember most. In the Nineties, I witnessed his come-up as a formidable opponent on the mic at many MC battles. As part of MCMI, he helped organize shows that weren't just events, but events you did not want to miss. You'll be missed my brother."
