from Reuters :

Rapper Ol’ Dirty Bastard, equally well known for his scrapes with the law and offbeat antics as for his work with rap collective Wu-Tang Clan, died suddenly in New York Saturday of unknown causes, his record label said.

The rapper, whose real name was Russell Jones, was found in a recording studio complaining of chest pains, a source told Reuters. Paramedics were unable to save him.

“The world has lost a great talent, but we mourn the loss of our friend,” said a statement issued by Roc-A-Fella Records.

Jones, who was in his mid-30s, fathered 13 children, according to a magazine profile. He was released from prison in 2003 after serving almost three years for drug offenses and probation violation.