The hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia is mourning the loss of one of his own. Koopsta Knicca, the founding member of the group has died at the age of 40-years-old.

According to BET, Koopsta Knicca passed away earlier this morning due to a brain aneurysm.

People close to Koopsta Knicca issued the following statement about his passing on his Facebook page by saying:

“To all who are concerned Robert Cooper Phillips AKA KOOPSTA KNICCA has officially left us all, This is a GREAT LOST to us all.We will continue to keep him alive with his music. I loved you with all my heart Koop & ive learned alot from you.” – Per Admin Toy

DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia also released another statement in which he states, “Everyone who knew Koop knew he was very funny and the coolest guy ever. He will be missed. We made classics together that’ll live on.”

The hip-hop and rap community is without a doubt coming together as several rappers have also taken to their social media accounts to send their love and prayers to Three 6 Mafia and Koopsta Knicca’s family.

Rest in peace Koopsta Knicca!