Miami, Florida – Brother Marquis, a member of the iconic Miami hip-hop group 2 Live Crew, passed away at the age of 58. His real name was Mark D. Ross, and he left a prominent mark in the rap music scene with his fellow group members, Fresh Kid Ice, Mr. Mixx, and Uncle Luke.
Together, 2 Live Crew made history with their controversial and expletive-filled 1989 album, “As Nasty As They Wanna Be,” which sold over a million copies. Following the album’s release, a federal judge deemed it legally obscene, leading to arrests and legal battles. The group’s music pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms, sparking conversations about free speech and artistic expression.
Marquis, also known as Ross, was involved in various legal disputes, including a copyright infringement case with Roy Orbison. The group’s music often satirized and parodied other artists, leading to conflicts but also setting legal precedents for commercial parody and fair use in the music industry.
After disbanding in the Nineties, Ross collaborated with other artists like Ice-T, further solidifying his legacy in the world of hip-hop music. 2 Live Crew’s raunchy live performances and rebellious attitude were memorable to fans, reflecting a time of cultural shifts and challenges to censorship.
The passing of Brother Marquis marks the end of an era in the hip-hop genre, as he and his group members left a lasting impact on the music industry. Their music continues to influence artists and spark conversations about freedom of expression and the boundaries of artistry. Though gone, their legacy lives on through their groundbreaking contributions to rap music and pop culture.