New Orleans Bounce Pioneer 5th Ward Weebie Dies at 42

The artist passed from complications after suffering a heart attack. A representative confirmed to New Orleans’ CBS-affiliate on Thursday that Bounce music pioneer, 5th Ward Weebie, has died at the age of 42.

The rapper, whose birth name was Jerome Cosey, reportedly passed away from a heart attack after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured artery earlier in the week.

“First his kidneys went and they had him on a machine to get his kidneys back working, then his lungs went the next day,” New Orleans rapper P Town Moe said according to KLFY 10 News. “I don’t know why God wanted him at this time, but my brother gone.”

5th Ward Weebie rose to fame in the 1990s, going on to collaborate with Mystikal, Master P, Drake, and more.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell also released a statement following 5th Ward Weebie’s passing, stating, “It broke my heart to learn that Jerome Cosey — our 5th Ward Weebie — has passed. Let me find out you didn’t know who he was. He was an iconic personality, a New Orleans legend, and a beloved friend. He was the Bounce King, who showed us how to move, how to love, and how to bring passion and humanity to everything we do. New Orleans has lost a cornerstone of our culture. Our City will not be the same without his voice and his spirit. May he rest in God’s perfect peace.”

Fans also took to social media to pay their respects to 5th Ward Weebie.