Koopsta Knicca: “Three 6 Mafia” Rapper Dies of Stroke at 40 Years Old

Memphis rapper Robert Phillips aka “Koopsta Knicca,” who was a member of Three 6 Mafia, has died.

Born Robert Phillips, the rapper suffered a stroke this past Sunday (October 4). The Commercial Appeal reports that he passed away this morning (October 9) at a Memphis hospital due to complications stemming from the stroke.

There were apparently some premature reports of his passing that circulated yesterday. A GoFundMe page was set up to support him, saying that he was in “critical condition” and “in need of a miracle.”

Three 6 Mafia bandmate DJ Paul said in a statement, “my group member and brother for over 20 year…went in peace…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.”

Koopsta Knicca joined Three 6 Mafia prior to the group’s debut album, 1995’s Mystic Stylez. He was with the group through a string of ’90s albums but left in 2000, eventually returning in the last couple of years. He also had a productive solo career, and he had been working on an album at the time of his death. Koopsta Knicca had just bought a home in Las Vegas and had been planning to move there this month.

The rapper had some legal problems over the years. He was arrested on a number of occasions. Just last year, he was accused of aggravated robbery and gun possession.

Phillips’ death follows that of Three 6 Mafia member Lord Infamous, who died of a heart attack attack in 2013.

Agencies/Canadajournal