Craig Mack, Bad Boy Records' First Hitmaker, Dead at 46

Rapper Craig Mack (46) passed away on Monday of heart complications. Mack passed in his home in Walterboro, SC where he resided after he left a life of fame to pursue a more religious life.

Craig, Long Island, New York-bred MC, was best known for his work with Sean "Diddy" Combs on Bad Boy Records, giving us the 1994 hit "Flava In Ya Ear." The '90s club banger was the first hit song to come out of the then upstart label, reaching the Top 10 on Billboard's 100.

After releasing his sophomore album, Operation: Get Down, in 1997 Mack took a step back from the spotlight. He made a rare appearance on the remix to a new millennium Bad Boy hit "Special Delivery" in 2001.

As news of his death spread an outpouring of condolences and memories came from the hip hop community.

Craig Mack leaves behind a wife and two adult kids.