Nicky Da B, of Diplo’s “Express Yourself,” Dead at 24

According to “the Queen Diva of New Orleans Bounce,” Big Freedia, on Twitter today, New Orleans rapper Nicky Da B has passed away at 24. The news comes as a shock to all who knew him, including Mad Decent collaborator Diplo. The two worked together on the twerk track ‘Express Yourself.’

According to The Times-Picayune, who spoke to the artist’s manager, the man born Nickesse Toney “passed away after a brief illness.” The details are still slowly rolling in as the bigger picture becomes more clear.

I'm truly at a loss for words at the news that my friend + fellow Bounce artist @NickyDaB has passed away. #toomanyfunerals R.I.P NickyDaB

— Big Freedia 💋 (@bigfreedia) September 2, 2014

@BLAINESODMG @NickyDaB @bigfreedia @wildwayne @JuggieOfNO can anyone confirm???

— diplo (@diplo) September 2, 2014

H/T: SPIN