Summary Koopsta Knicca reunited with several band mates in 2013 to form Da Mafia 6ix
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) Rapper Koopsta Knicca, from Oscar-winning Tennessee rap group Three 6 Mafia, died Friday in Memphis at age 40 after suffering a brain aneurysm, the band said.
Band member DJ Paul said that Koopsta Knicca died just as the two were working on a new record.
"Me and Koop had just started writing his new album Devil s Playground 2 ... but we didn t get a chance to record yet," DJ Paul said in a statement.
"We had concerts coming up starting next month too. He also just got a home in Vegas that he was moving to on Tuesday, but never got to even see it in person."
Hardcore rap collective Three 6 Mafia formed in the early 1990s in Memphis, releasing their first album "Mystic Stylez" in 1995.
Koopsta Knicca, real name Robert Phillips, recorded his solo album "Da Devil s Playground" in 1999 before parting with the band. The group went on to achieve mainstream success with its Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2006 for "It s Hard out Here for a Pimp," featured in the film "Hustle and Flow."
Koopsta Knicca reunited with several band mates in 2013 to form Da Mafia 6ix.
Bandmate Juicy J posted a tribute to the rapper on his Instagram, saying "Koopsta Knicca we made history! You will be missed." Hundreds of fans added their own tributes on social media.
