5th Ward Weebie, New Orleans Bounce Rapper, Dies at 42

Photo: Josh Brasted/WireImage

The hip hop community is mourning the loss of one New Orleans’ brightest stars.

5th Ward Weebie— a rapper from the Big Easy known for being a major player in the bounce music scene — died on Thursday, his publicist, Jonathan Thomas, confirmed to PEOPLE. He was 42.

The star, whose real name was Jerome Cosey,had gone through surgery for a ruptured artery and died in the hospital of related complications,The New Orleans Advocatereported.

“Jerome Cosey (5th Ward Weebie) was and is a staple in New Orleans culture,” Thomas told CNN. “His passion for the city was exemplified on the biggest platforms.”

“At this time we ask that fans and supporters be in prayer for the family as we mourn the loss of a music legend and pioneer of New Orleans music and culture,” Thomas added to PEOPLE. “More information will be made available shortly”

His first record,Show theWorld, was released in 1999.

He also helped make bounce music mainstream, cameoing on Drake’s 2018 hit “Nice for What,” and Lil Wayne’s 2009 track, “Bend It Ova.”

Of the many voices paying tribute to 5th Ward Weebie after his death was New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.

“It broke my heart to learn that Jerome Cosey — our 5th Ward Weebie — has passed,” she wrote on Twitter.

“He was an iconic personality, a New Orleans legend, and a beloved friend,” Cantrell added. “He was the bounce king who showed us how to move, how to love and how to bring passion and humanity to everything we do. New Orleans has lost a cornerstone of our culture. Our city will not be the same without his voice and his spirit.”

source: people.com