Hip-Hop Pioneer Brother Marquis Passes Away

Mark D. Ross, better known by his stage name Brother Marquis, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the age of 58. The news was announced by the group 2 Live Crew on social media. Brother Marquis was an American rapper, a prominent figure in the Miami bass scene, and a member of the iconic hip-hop group 2 Live Crew, best known for their worldwide hit “Me So Horny.”

Born on April 4, 1966, in Rochester, New York, Brother Marquis moved to Los Angeles, California, with his mother in his teenage years. In the late 1980s, he settled in Miami, where his musical journey took a pivotal turn. There, he joined forces with Luther Campbell (Uncle Luke), Fresh Kid Ice (Chris Wong Won), and Mr. Mixx to form 2 Live Crew. The group gained notoriety for their provocative and humorous lyrics, often blending sexual themes with social commentary, which became a signature element of their sound.

Brother Marquis played a crucial role in 2 Live Crew’s success. His energetic rap style and catchy flow significantly contributed to the group’s distinctive sound. Their albums, such as the commercially successful “As Nasty As They Wanna Be” (1989) and “LUV U Better” (1990), not only garnered critical acclaim but also sparked legal controversies due to their explicit content.

Beyond 2 Live Crew, Brother Marquis collaborated with other artists, including Ice-T on the 1992 track “99 Problems.” He also pursued a solo career, releasing albums like “Maximum Penalty” (1994) and “Shockwave” (1996). Throughout his career, Brother Marquis remained a staunch advocate for artistic freedom, consistently fighting against censorship. He was a passionate performer and an inspiration to many in the hip-hop world.

Brother Marquis’s death follows that of his former groupmate Fresh Kid Ice, who passed away in 2017 at 53. Brother Marquis will be remembered as a pioneer of the Miami bass scene and a tireless champion of free expression.