Shock G, the frontman of pioneering hip-hop group Digital Underground and co-producer of 2Pac’s debut album, has died at the age of 57.

Born Gregory Jacobs, he was known for his witty lyrics and comical alter-egos, but also played a crucial role in introducing 1970s funk to 90s hip-hop.

His biggest hit was The Humpty Dance, a feel-good party anthem based on his goofy character, Humpty Hump.

Chuck D, Snoop Dogg and Busta Rhymes have all paid tribute to the star.

“What a tough loss at such a precarious time,” wrote Public Enemy’s Chuck D on Twitter. “Brilliant beyond… such a beautiful free mind, Brother. #RestinBeats my man.”

“Rest, King, rest,” added Busta Rhymes on Instagram.
Snoop Dogg, whose early hits were inspired by Digital Underground, simply posted a photo of Humpty Hump’s jewel-encrusted Groucho Marx glasses.

The news of Jacobs’ death was confirmed by Chopmaster J, who co-founded Digital Underground with Shock G in 1987.

He wrote: “34 years ago almost to the day we had a wild idea we can be a hip-hop band and take on the world.

“Through it all, the dream became a reality and the reality became a nightmare for some. And now he’s awaken from the fame. Long live shock G Aka Humpty Hump and Rest In Peace my Brotha Greg Jacobs!!!”

Digital Underground’s security manager, Nzazi Malonga, told the Associated Press that Jacobs, who had struggled with drug addiction, had been found unresponsive in a hotel room in Tampa, Florida.The star’s family later issued a statement saying the musician “suddenly passed away” on Thursday.

“The cause of death is currently unknown,” they added. “We truly, truly appreciate all the out-pouring of love and concern. Please keep us in your prayers at this very difficult time.”

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Jacobs dropped out of high school in the late 1970s and had a brief career as a radio DJ, before finishing his degree and going to college to study music.

After relocating to San Francisco’s Bay Area in the 1980s, he started working in a local music shop – which was where he met Chopmaster J and formed Digital Underground.

Influenced by free-thinking musicians like George Clinton, Jimi Hendrix and Herbie Hancock, the band’s approach was playful and experimental – making them something of an anomaly during the ascendance of groups like Public Enemy and NWA.

“Sometimes we’ll combine any two, three or more styles and sometimes we’ll stick to just one,” Jacobs said in 1989. “It depends on whoever is getting involved in the track.

“There’s often plenty of different things happening in our songs, but that doesn’t mean we’re not into the idea of doing a simple rap over a basic beat. We like doing real straight stuff, real hardcore stuff too.”