Three 6 Mafia's 'Koopsta Knicca' dies at 40

Andrea Mandell | USA TODAY

Robert "Koopsta Knicca" Cooper Phillips, a member of the Memphis hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia, passed away early Friday after suffering a massive stroke. He was 40.

The rapper "went in peace," Three 6 Mafia's DJ Paul told Commercial Appeal. "Everyone who knew Koop knew he was very funny and the coolest guy ever. He will be missed. We made classics together that'll live on."

Knicca was hospitalized and on life support since last weekend after suffering a stroke.

Former Three 6 Mafia member Juicy J saluted him on Instagram. "R.I.P koopsta Knicca we made history! You will be missed #mafia4life prayers up for the family."

R.I.P koopsta Knicca we made history! You will be missed #mafia4life prayers up for the family A photo posted by juicyj (@juicyj) on Oct 8, 2015 at 6:33pm PDT

As did DJ Paul.

Dr. Confirmed With Me That @koopstaknicca36 Passed This Morning at 12:55am. You Will Be Missed My Brother!!! 🙏🏾 Love U Koop!!! #ripkoopstaknicca A photo posted by DJ Paul K.O.M. (@djpaulkom) on Oct 9, 2015 at 9:04am PDT

The rap group formed in the early '90s and had revolving members. They are best known for hits like Stay Fly, Sippin on Some Syrup and 2005's Oscar-winning song from the film Hustle & Flow, Hard Out Here for a Pimp.

In 2000, Knicca left the group both to pursue a solo career and due to legal troubles, as the rapper was arrested on charges of domestic violence, assault and aggravated burglary. According to Rolling Stone, Knicca continued to contribute verses to the group's post-2000 albums.

Recently, Knicca was a member of Da Mafia Six, which reunited five of the six original members of Three Six Mafia. The group last dropped an album, Watch What U Wish..., in March. He also took part in the Killjoy Club, a 2014 collaboration with Insane Clown Posse.

Koopsta Knicca was one of a kind, originality isn't close to the word to describe him, he may be gone but won't ever be forgotten, R.I.P. — SomewatUnpredictable (@DaCoolOne_843) October 9, 2015

At the time of his death,DJ Paul said he was working to Knicca's 1994 solo debut Da Devil's Playground.

"Me and Koop had just started writing his new album Devil's Playground 2 … but we didn't get a chance to record yet," DJ Paul told the Commercial Appeal. "We had concerts coming up starting next month too. He also just got a home in Vegas that he was moving to on Tuesday, but never got to even see it in person."

In December 2013, Three Six Mafia's Ricky "Lord Infamous" Dunigan died in his sleep from a heart attack at age 40.





