Cleetis Mack, known to fans as Clee, has died suddenly. The longtime member of Oakland hip-hop legends Digital Underground passed away unexpectedly, with a representative for the group confirming the news to TMZ. No cause of death has been disclosed, and his age has not been made public. The loss follows that of Digital Underground founding member Shock G, who died in April 2021 at 57.
Mack joined Digital Underground in 1993, arriving alongside rapper Saafir at the time of ‘The Body-Hat Syndrome.’ His debut on record came with “Wussup Wit the Luv,” a track that also featured Tupac Shakur in what would be one of his final public appearances with the group before departing to focus on his solo career. It was a moment of genuine historical weight in hip-hop, and Mack was right in the middle of it. He went on to contribute to some of the group’s most beloved tracks, including “Pick-A-Part,” “La Vida Broka,” “Drank A Lot,” and “Holla Holiday.”
Digital Underground itself is woven into the foundation of hip-hop history. Founded in Oakland in 1987 by Shock G, Chopmaster J, and Kenny-K, the group broke through in 1990 with “The Humpty Dance” and the critically celebrated ‘Sex Packets,’ a record that diehard fans have long considered an unsung classic of the golden era. “Same Song,” which appeared on the Nothing But Trouble soundtrack, marked Tupac’s debut as a rapper, with Mack and the rest of the group around him as he took his first steps toward becoming one of the most iconic figures in music history.
The tribute from Digital Underground captures who Mack was beyond the music. “He was more than a part of the movement,” the group’s representative said. “He was part of the soul behind it, bringing warmth, loyalty, and quiet strength to everyone around him. He will always be remembered by his humility, love, and spirited energy, qualities that lifted those around him and made a lasting impression on all who knew him.” Bandmate Money-B responded on Instagram with a performance clip captioned simply “#DU4LIFE,” words apparently failing where music still could speak. DJ Envy led the broader hip-hop community’s tributes, noting Mack’s contributions to the group’s legacy and his connection to Tupac’s early story.
The group continues, now led by Money-B and Young Hump. But with Shock G gone in 2021 and now Clee, another piece of one of hip-hop’s most original and joyful chapters has slipped away.