Legendary Grammy award-winning Jamaican musician and actor Louie Rankin passed away in a fatal accident after the car he was in collided with a transport truck in Ontario, Canada, on Monday, according to the Associated Press. He died at the scene of the accident.
Born Leonard Ford, Rankin, who was also known as “Original Don Dada” is famously remembered for his roles in popular movies “Shottas” and “Belly” – the latter which he starred alongside Nas and DMX. A household name in his native Jamaica, Rankin also won a Grammy award in 1992 for his hit single Typewriter.
News of his demise was also confirmed on his official Twitter account.
“It saddens us to have to announce that The “ORGINAL DON DADA” “Trail Blazer” the legend – Louie Ox Rankin passed away this morning!” the Tweet read. “May God keep his soul with his father, sister and niece in #heaven #amen #sipox.”
He is survived by seven children and his wife of 30 years, Jewlz Sykes, who was also his executive assistant, Heavy reports.
Taking to her Instagram, Sykes, who shares three of the kids with Rankin confirmed his passing.
“There are no words!!!!!!,” she captioned. “Sleep with the angels my King!.”
News of his death was followed with tributes from several fans and celebrities, including Nas and DJ Khaled. Nas established a strong relationship with him when they shot Belly. About three years ago, he made a cameo in the video for DJ Khaled’s Nas Album Done track featuring the Queensbridge rapper.
“Louie Rankin. Great working with this man. A legend. In Belly you stole the show. “ You Wana Rump with b*mbacl*t me??!,”” Nas shared on his Instagram. “In @djkhaled video Nas Album Done, your presence was super live wire much needed. RIP Don Dada.”
DJ Khaled also shared a series of videos and photos paying tribute to his friend of over 20 years.
Take a look at some more reactions to his death below:
