Rapper Big Joe dies at 42
Rapper Big Joe. Courtesy of Holla Entertainment
By Dong Sun-hwa
Korean-American rapper Big Joe died in a hospital in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, Jan. 6. He was 42.
He died while undergoing surgery to eliminate inflammation, according to media reports, Wednesday. He was declared dead at 6:20 p.m. (KST).
“Big Joe was hospitalized after gaining more weight. He experienced internal bleeding due to inflammation and had an operation, but the bleeding didn't stop,” a music producer surnamed Lee, who previously worked with the rapper, was quoted as saying.
He reportedly weighed about 320 kilograms.
Born to a Korean mother and an American father, Big Joe debuted as a member of co-ed group Holladang in 2008 with the album “Spotlight.” Holladang later released songs including “Turn on the Radio” (2009) and “Honey Honey” (2013).
The rapper had appeared on the YouTube channel, “Sang Yong Um,” but put a hold on his activities in December due to health issues.
“I am suffering from heart failure and diabetes,” he said on a video, Dec. 11. “I will take a rest for a month to receive treatment.”
His memorial service will be held from Jan. 7 at International St. Mary's Hospital in Incheon.