Koopsta Knicca has died at the age of 40. The Tennessee-born rapper was best known as one of the original members of Three 6 Mafia, alongside DJ Paul and Lord Infamous. The news of Knicca’s death was confirmed on his official Facebook page and in a statement by DJ Paul’s publicist on Friday (9th October).

To all who are concerned Robert Cooper Phillips AKA KOOPSTA KNICCA has officially left us all,This is a GREAT LOST to...

Posted by Koopsta Knicca on Friday, 9 October 2015

Read More: Lord Infamous Dead At 40: Looking Back On The Three 6 Mafia Rapper's Career.

Koopsta Knicca, who was born Robert Cooper Phillips, reportedly died of complications from a brain aneurysm. Koopsta died on Friday (9th October) after suffering from the stroke on Sunday (4th October). 

Koopsta was hospitalised shortly after suffering the aneurysm. His fellow Three 6 Mafia members kept fans up to date with Koopsta’s condition and asked them to pray for him. 

Koopsta’s fellow Three 6 Mafia member, DJ Paul, also issued a statement confirming Koopsta’s death.

“My group member and brother for over 20 years, Robert 'Koopsta Knicca' Phillips passed away today at 12:55 am CST from a major stroke he had sunday after showering," DJ Paul’s statement to HipHopDX reads. 

"He went in peace. Me and Koop had just started writing his new album Devil's Playground 2, the second part to his famous solo album that I produced, but we didn't get a chance to record yet. We had concerts coming up starting next month too. He also just got a home in Vegas that he was moving to on Tuesday, but never got to even see it in person. Everyone who knew Koop knew he was very funny and the coolest guy ever! He will be missed!!! We made classics together that'll live on!!! Mafia 4 Life!!!!"

Koopsta was a founding member of the Tennessee based rap group, Three 6 Mafia. He released his solo album, Da Devil’s Playground, in 1994 whilst still with the rap group. In recent years, he has been a member of rap group Da Mafia 6ix, an affiliated group to Three 6 Mafia.

Koopsta is the second member of the Three 6 Mafia to die within the space of two years. In December 2013, Lord Infamous A.K.A. Ricky Dunigan died of a heart attack. 

Read More: Three 6 Mafia's DJ Paul Arrested After Illegal Weapon Found.