'Flava In Ya Ear' Rapper Craig Mack Dead At 47

WALTERBORO, S.C. (CBSLA/AP) — Former rapper Craig Mack, best known for the platinum 1994 hit "Flava in Ya Ear" has died in South Carolina.

Colleton County Corner Richard Harvey says the 47-year-old Mack died at his home in Walterboro around 9 p.m. Monday. Harvey said it appeared Mack died of natural causes.

The Long Island, New York, native at one time was part of Diddy's Bad Boy Entertainment, which released his first album, "Project: Funk da World," anchored by "Flava in Ya Ear," which was nominated for a Grammy. His follow-up single, "Get Down" went gold.

DJ Scratch said on Instagram that Mack formerly handled his turntable setups and breakdowns.

After Mack left Diddy, he released a second album, "Operation: Get Down" in 1997 but left the music industry and devoted his life to religion.

Multiple reports from 2012 indicated Mack joined a controversial South Carolina commune where he was videotaped rapping about his newfound faith in front of a church service.

Artists, celebrities and fans alike paid tribute to Mack on social media following news of his passing.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)