Chris Wong Won – better known as Fresh Kid Ice, a founding member of pioneering and famously controversial rap group 2 Live Crew – has died at 53, according to former bandmates Luther Campbell and Brother Marquis.

“I just got the word that my long time friend and rap legend Fresh Kid Ice the Chinaman has passed away,” Brother Marquis told Vibe. “I would like to say that I love him and extend my condolences to his family. He truly loved all of his fans. I’ll always remember and cherish all of the good times we had together and all of the history we made. I would like to express my true love for him.”

Read more about the life and career of Fresh Kid Ice here.

Photo Credit: Kris Connor/Getty Images