Brother Marquis Of 2 Live Crew Has Passed Away
Brother Marquis of the very influential and controversial 2 Live Crew has passed away, aged 58. Born Mark D. Ross, Brother Marquis joined the group in 1986 (at the age of 19), two years after its founding, and was present for their biggest hits. The group laid the blueprint for Miami Bass. 2 Live Crew’s 1989 album, “As Nasty As They Wanna Be,“ was the first to sport a “Parental Advisory: Explicit Content“ label, and was the first album to be legally deemed obscene, by a decision which was later overturned.
In 1991, during his hiatus from the group, he formed the duo 2 Nazty, teaming up with DJ Toomp. The duo released an album, “Indecent Exposure,“ in 1993. That same year, he first coined the famous line: “I got 99 problems but a bitch ain’t one,“ which led to him being featured on Ice-T’s “Home Invasion“ album, on the song “99 Problems.“ He reunited with Fresh Kid Ice as 2 Live Crew in 2006, they continued to tour and release music until Kid Ice’s departure in 2016. Afterwards, another original member, Mr. Mixx rejoined the group alongside Marquis.
Reflecting on 2 Live Crew’s legacy in 2021, Mr. Ross stated: “I can take that to my grave, that we made a difference.“
May he rest in peace.
