Rapper Big Syke, Part of Tupac Shakur's Thug Life Group, Dies

HAWTHORNE, CA -- Big Syke, a former member of Tupac Shakur's Thug Life group, died at his Hawthorne home of apparent natural causes, according to media reports. He was 48.

Big Syke, whose real name is Tyruss Himes, was found dead at about 11 p.m. Monday at his residence in the 14000 block of Chadron Avenue, said Los Angeles County coroner's Assistant Chief Ed Winter. An autopsy is pending to identify the cause of death, but several media outlets, including TMZ.com, reported that it was natural causes, citing sources close to the case.

Himes reportedly was suffering from various ailments, including heart disease and diabetes.

He was a longtime friend of Shakur. Himes met Shakur in 1992 and released a collaborative album, "Thug Life: Volume 1," with 2Pac, Stretch and Mopreme Shakur in 1994 -- it was their lone release.

After the group dissolved, Himes went on to a solo career but continued to collaborate with Shakur. He was featured prominently on 2Pac's "All Eyez on Me" album, particularly on the title track that went on to become a fan favorite, "Picture Me Rollin'."

Himes released four solo albums in his career, including the self-titled release on Rap-A-Lot Records in 2002. A trailer for the film, "Last Thug Standing," was released online last year, but not much else was known about the project. The film does not have an IMDB listing.

Himes' collaborators and fans sent their condolences on Twitter on Tuesday when they heard of his passing.

Just got the news about Big Syke passing. Sad sad day.. Thug In Peace
— KXNG T'CHALLA (@CrookedIntriago) December 6, 2016

No lie …. This hurt 2016 is scary RIP #bigsyke love on yo people .. U never know when it's the last time… Love me while I live
— Danny Boy Steward (@ThaRealDannyBoy) December 6, 2016

S.I.P. Big Syke. Always showed us l
— ghost (@therealstylesp) December 6, 2016

THIS IS A SAD DAY FOR ME! RIP TO MY BROTHA "BIG SYKE" #THUGLIFEFOREVER
Condolences to his family!!! Wow, this hurts!!!
— Kokane (@Kokaneofficial) December 6, 2016

OMG! I am in shock! He was the first person to follow me on twitter. So sad! RIP @BigSyke_ pic.twitter.com/ohcnhGiK85
— Tina (@Professor3535) December 6, 2016

Wishing you can pick up your phone right now #RipBigSyke pic.twitter.com/86s7NIYUjh
— RIP BIG SYKE (@djkingassassin) December 6, 2016

"I got Keeeeeys coming from overseas" R.I.P @BigSyke_ hip hop losing plenty contributors mayne
— C-Lim (@BanditzWhut) December 6, 2016

Big Syke, glad to know you and Makaveli have met again
— Hodgy (@monkmiyagi) December 6, 2016

"96 big body sittin on chrome!" Damn. RIP Big Syke man. What a legendary voice.
— G-Wiz(dom) (@JustGWizMyBoy) December 6, 2016

-- Courtesy photo