A$AP Yams, the founder of the beloved A$AP Mob hip-hop collective from Harlem, was found dead on Sunday.
He was 26 years old.
The cause of death is unknown at this time, though rapper A$AP An told VladTV that rumors of a prescription drug overdose are false.
"That’s not what happened at all,” the artist says.
A$AP Yams was born Steven Rodriguez and he also went by the moniker “Yamborghini.”
He began working at a record company as a teenager and formed A$AP Mob at the age of 19. The producer played an integral role in boosting the careers of such rappers as A$AP Rocky and A$AP Ferg.
"R.I.P YAMS, I LOVE YOU BROTHER,” wrote Rocky upon learning this sad news, while A$AP Mob added: “ALWAYS STRIVE AND PROSPER. RIP YAMS.”
"You will be missed Bro," A$AP Ferg penned on Tumblr. "We done touched a lot of ground together, landed on a lot of different soil!!! You will always be loved & your spirit will live on!!! #asapmob #asapferg #asapworldwide #yams."
Drake and Azealia Banks were among the more mainstream stars to also offer their condolences online. Tweeted the latter:
"A.S.A.P YAMS should be remembered as a leader, an innovator and most importantly as an important part of NYC youth culture."