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The rap community is mourning the loss of A$AP Yams, a founding member of New York rap collective A$AP Mob, who has died at the age of 26.
Further details of Yams’ (real name: Steven Rodriguez) death were not available at time of publication.
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“All of us at RCA Records are shocked and saddened to hear of the death of A$AP Yams,” the record company wrote in a statement. “As one of the creative forces behind A$AP Worldwide, Yams’ vision, humor and dedication to the members of A$AP Mob will always be remembered. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
Polo Grounds Music wrote in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend A$AP Yams. A true visionary, Yams was a driving force in A$AP Mob. Our condolences go out to his family. He will be truly missed.”
The news of Yams’ passing was announced Sunday (Jan. 18) on social media by fellow A$AP Mob members A$AP Rocky and A$AP Ferg.
Yams played a pivotal role in the formation of the rap collective in 2007. In 2013, he told the New York Times that “Rocky’s like Luke Skywalker, and I’m Yoda.” In turn, Rocky referred to Yams as the “mastermind behind the scenes.”
Numerous hip-hop stars — including Drake, Mac Miller and 2 Chainz— are remembering A$AP Yams on social media. Check out their tributes below.
Rest in peace Yams. A$AP is family.
— Drizzy (@Drake) January 18, 2015
Damn. RIP @ASAPYams
— Mac (@MacMiller) January 18, 2015
So sad about @ASAPYams RIP !
— M.I.A (@MIAuniverse) January 18, 2015
Rest in peace A$AP Yams… http://t.co/7x9UWys2eA
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) January 18, 2015
A.S.A.P YAMS should be remembered as a leader, an innovator and most importantly as an important part of NYC youth culture.
— AZEALIA BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) January 18, 2015
R.I.P. ASAP Yams. That was a wild boy. May his life be celebrated……
— Charlamagne Tha God (@cthagod) January 18, 2015
Luv and condolences for YAMS!!! Always felt when he in the room …. RIP …
— Tity Boi (2 Chainz) (@2chainz) January 18, 2015
Wow RIP A$AP Yams what a good dude. Gone way too young, way too soon. You will be missed A$AP fam my condolences
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) January 18, 2015
Man very sad to hear about Yams, good dude. Prayers go out the his family and A$AP mob
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) January 18, 2015
This story first appeared on Billboard.com.
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