Fred the Godson, a prominent New York rapper, has died aged 35 after contracting coronavirus.

A representative for the artist confirmed the death to Complex.

The South Bronx rapper, born Frederick Thomas, had announced on social media earlier this month that he was being treated for Covid-19.

His wife LeeAnn Jemmott told News 12 Brooklyn at the time that Thomas had been put on a ventilator.

He was at one point showing signs of improvement, with the machine supporting his breathing by 70 per cent instead of 100 per cent, Jemmott said.

Thomas’s career developed over the past decade. He was featured in XXL​’s Freshman Class of 2011 alongside Kendrick Lamar, Meek Mill, Mac Miller, and more.

Fred the Godson collaborated with Diddy, Pusha T, and Jay Pharoah among others.

His latest project, Payback, was released last month.

DJ Self paid tribute to Thomas on Instagram, writing: ”Was loved by many never heard one bad thing about you RIP @fredthegodsonmusic Sleep Well my brother.”

Pharoah also paid homage to the artist in a tweet reading in part: “Jesus my heart is so heavy right now, just found out we lost my bro @FREDTHEGODSON literally just did a project with him in December and he was such a good dude. I remember us connecting so fast because of our love for lyricism.”

Thomas is survived by his wife and their two children.​