He was 49 years old.
No cause of death was reported, and CNN contacted the record label and its representatives to inquire about the delay in announcing his death.
She started the note by addressing the rapper, whose real name was Daniel Dumile, on his family name.
“The greatest husband, father, teacher, student, business partner, boyfriend and friend I could ever ask for”, the note read “Thank you for all the things you have shown me, learned and offered me, our children and our family. “
Several well-known artists went on social media to mourn his death.
Born in London in 1971, he moved with his family to Long Island, New York, as a child and began singing and producing hip hop as a teenager under the name Zev Love X.
He and his younger brother, Dingilizwe, known as DJ Subroc, formed the band KMD and released a critically acclaimed debut album, “Mr. Hood ”, in 1991.
Their second album was set for release in 1993, when Dumile’s brother died after being hit by a car.
Five years later, the rapper reappeared as Metal Face Doom, wearing a mask based on the model of the Marvel villain Dr. Doom and released a solo album entitled “Operation: Doomsday”.
“I wanted to go on stage and talk, without people thinking about the normal things people think about. Like girls like “Oh, he’s sexy” or “I don’t want him, he’s ugly” and then other guys you up, “Dumile said.” A visual always brings a first impression. But if there will be a first impression, I could also use it to control the story. Why don’t you do something like throw a mask? “
He became well known for his intellect, intelligence and intricate rhyming style, which he displayed on six solo albums and five collaborative projects, including Danger Mouse and Ghostface Killah.
In 2017, his 14-year-old son, King Malachi Ezekiel Dumile, died.
The rapper’s wife referred to this loss in announcing the death of her husband.
“Words will never express what you and Malachi mean to me, I love both of you and I always adore you,” she wrote. “May EVERYONE bless you, our family and the planet.”