Bad Boy artist Black Rob is laid to rest on Friday, April 30 at the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Harlem, NY.
Black Rob, whose real name is Robert Ross, succumbed to illness on April 17, 2021, at the age of 52.
His death was sudden and unexpected by most of the Hip-Hop world and came only days after the demise of his colleague, DMX. The rapper, known best for his mega-club banger “Whoa,” had suffered health challenges over the last few years and was last seen in a hospital bed giving his warm wishes to DMX and informing people about his illness — saying he had suffered a series of strokes.
Former Bad Boy executive Mark Curry shared the details for the Homegoing Celebration for his friend on his Instagram, noting that it would be live-streamed on REVOLT TV and YouTube,
“Join us as we gather to share our favorite stories and memories, to laugh and to cry in memory of our beloved Robert ‘Black Rob’ Ross,” Curry wrote. “We will always love you!! YouTube.com/RevoltTV.”
After the public viewing, the family (and friends) ran a loop of personal pictures and videos from his extraordinary journey as a rap star. While the stream was interrupted in the beginning, we were able to see Grandmaster Caz (one of the fathers of Hip-Hop) presiding over the ceremony.
There was a high moment in the service where the chaplain shouted out his childhood friends, Jeff Mobb, stating that they “were there from the beginning and were there in the end.” While the moment was high, Caz also announced that Governor Cuomo signed a proclamation in honor of Black Rob.
G-Dep’s sons were among the first to speak and they read a poem/rap from their dad.
Bishop Whitehead noted that it was his birthday, and said that “Rob was loyal.” The Bishop went to the Book of Acts to shared that Black Rob was essential to him turning to God and accepting his call into ministry.
A mournful Harve Pierre, the former President of Bad Boy Entertainment, spoke on behalf of Sean Comb said that “Black Rob was one of his greatest artists. Rob was a friend and a reliable artist.” He further expressed that they were also friends, a powerful man and that they worked on so many projects together, recalling that “Whoa” was the number one song in the country. He thanked the church, the police, producers and also cleared the air by thanking Puff for always being there when anyone needed help.
His manager Johnny reminisced about touring and how Mark and Chris Curry incorporated the slogan “Whoa” into everything, like “Whoa, watch your mouth.”
“To live in the hearts of others makes you eternal,” said Mark Curry as he told everyone to put their fist in the air.
His godsister also spoke about how he came back to the community, Jefferson Projects, and believed that all n**ga barbers come from around their way.
Porta Roc also spoke about touring with him— sharing that they talked about stuff that no one ever talked about. He said that he loved him and said that he was kind. “This is a real legend, stand up. I was there before the ‘Whoa’ and before the Bacardi Rob. and I had to show up to thank you all for showing my man love.”
One person from the community named Pete said that they were thanking all of the wrong people “who weren’t even there.” The gentleman said, “Thank his mother for raising a bad @ss kid.” He kept saying “Y’all weren’t there” and said that instead of calling him, people were checking their Instagram. “Where were you back then?” He also talked about how Puff Daddy was always was there and helped Rob. He asked everyone to stand up, including Bad Boy who were true friends and support systems to Rob.
Rob’s first manager also spoke and said he was there at the end also.
Then his children spoke.
His son Rob read his obituary and said a rap that he wrote for his father.
One of his daughters said that she had just lost her son last year.
His sister tearfully read a poem and gave reflections, reminding everyone that “everyone had their moments with Rob.” This was in reference to people saying that they were there for him in ways when he was down.
The vocalist sang “It’s So Hard to Say Good-Bye to Yesterday,” as he walked through the congregation. Then the pastor gave his eulogy, memorializing a life cut short too soon.
We send our deepest sympathies to the family.