Diddy is honoring the late Black Rob.
On Saturday (April 17), the former Bad Boy rapper best known for his 2000 hit “Whoa!,” died from cardiac arrest at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. He was 52. Rob had suffered numerous health issues in recent years, including diabetes, lupus, kidney failure, and multiple strokes.
Taking to Instagram, Diddy shared a heartfelt tribute to the Harlem rapper, born Robert Ross. “Rest in power King @therealblackrob !” he wrote alongside a photo of him with his arm around Rob. “As I listen to your records today there’s one thing that they all have in common! You have made millions of people all over the world feel good and dance! You are one of a kind! GOD BLESS! Love. You will be truly missed!!!!”
According to Page Six, the Bad Boy boss reached out to Rob at the hospital before his death and offered his assistance. “Diddy offered help for Rob, but in the end, sadly, it was too late,” said a source.
As a final tribute to his friend, Diddy has put forth money to cover the funeral costs. “He wants to make sure that Rob is laid to rest with dignity and according to his wishes. He is helping to make the funeral arrangements,” the source added.
In a video that circulated online earlier this month, Rob detailed his various health ailments and struggles with homelessness. His friends, Mark Curry and Mike Zombie, previously started a GoFundMe campaign to help Rob find a home and cover his medical expenses. The fundraiser raised $30,000 of its $50,000 goal.
“He didn’t have a home, but he always had us,” Curry told The New York Times. “He’s known for telling stories and his music described his life. You can feel it.”
Curry said that Diddy spoke to Rob the day before he passed away and that the two had made amends. “Before Rob passed, he said, ‘One thing I was going to do before I leave this earth is make sure we all speak to each other again.’ It’s always great to see when people are growing and learning to forgive.”