RAPPER Craig Mack, known for his single Flava In Ya Ear, has died.

The hip hop singer, who rose to prominence in the 1990s, died on Monday night of heart failure aged just 46.

Mack had been part of Puff Daddy's Bad Boy Entertainment in the 1990s, with a remix of his single Flava in Ya Ear becoming the breakout appearance of The Notorious B.I.G.

His producer Alvin Toney confirmed to The Daily News: "God bless my friend. He was a good friend of mine.

"He was prepared for whatever comes, to go home to the Lord. He was prepared to do that. He wasn’t scared. He was ready."

Mack reportedly died at a hospital near his home in South Carolina on Monday night.

Tributes for Craig Mack have already started to flow Credit: Getty - Contributor

Rappers Saafir, Craig Mack, The D.O.C. and late rapper Notorious B.I.G., pose for photos backstage after their performances in 1994 Credit: Getty - Contributor

apper Craig Mack performs at the Riviera Theater in Chicago, Illinois, in 1994 Credit: Getty - Contributor

Tributes from fellow artists have already started to flow for the star.

Fellow artist DJ Scratch shared a tribute to Mack, writing on Instagram: "I just got a disturbing phone call. I cannot believe this dude is gone.

"He just reached out a couple of weeks ago for me to speak on his documentary about his life.

"Because Craig was my rodie on tour. He would set up & break down my turntables every night on tour. Rest In Peace Lil Bro."

The singer's debut album Project: Funk da World peaked at No 21 in the US.

Rapper RA the Rugged Man also shared a tribute on social media, writing: "Rest in Peace CRAIG MACK. Long Island's own. We were proud of Craig when he came out with the little indie song as MC EZ & TROUP.

"Then a few years later he went on to make one of the biggest most iconic songs in Hip Hop history. Rest EZ. Never forgotten. We love ya bro".

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.