The 37-year-old legendary rapper was confirmed dead in the early hours of Thursday morning. Before the news about Linda ‘ProKid,’ Mkhize’s death broke, rumors were circulating about how he died from a fatal gunshot wound but his family debunked the speculations in a statement saying that the legendary artist died on Wednesday night while visiting friends. The news was immediately followed by an outpouring of tributes from fans and high-profile personalities on social media in the early hours of the day.
Hip-hop artists including Slikour of Skwatta Kamp, JR, and AKA, all paid tribute to the “Number One Soweto Boy” – as he usually referred to himself – saying that he had inspired their music journeys and had always remained humble. He is survived by his parents, wife – Ayanda, his three-year-old daughter Nonkanyezi, brothers and extended family.
Praying the news is not true, but If it is then my brother I wish you safe passage into heaven. You were indeed a pioneer, a legend and one incredible Emcee. For the record I never considered you a ProKid but rather a ProKing! #RIPProKid #RipPRO #RIPLindaMkhize 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/XgG9GzixFv
— ProVerb (@ProVerbMusic) August 8, 2018
There would be no charts to top, no deals to sign, no tours no nothing without Linda Mkhize and what he did for this industry & that’s the shit we got caught up in, too busy with our own nonsense to reach out to our own big brother and talk to him, sit with him. Appreciate him 💔
— AKA (@akaworldwide) August 8, 2018
Dankie San you made ghetto metaphors and punchlines seem effortless, you birthed a whole generation of spitters that were inspired by your style. A rap pioneer, word engineer top 5 dead or alive. #RipProKid and condolences to your family. pic.twitter.com/NhDo19QUTJ
— SlikourOnLife (@slikouron) August 9, 2018
ProKid was a 37-year-old musical genius from Soweto. His tongue-twisting lyrical delivery and his punchlines were a staple of his brand. In the early-to-mid 2000s, Hip-Hop music was still in its infancy. More than anything, musicians were emulating American artists and for some, it worked, however for most, it was just… cringe. ProKid brought a different type of freshness that had never been seen before. A kid from Soweto that went against the grain and rapped in vernacular. His dialect was fresh, his lyricism was on point, and he had a relatable kasi look. His first hit single, that catapulted him at the helm of the rap industry was Wozobona (Let me show you). The texture and feel of the song gave people a look into the life of an ambitious kid from Soweto. The world rotated in his palms from then onwards. He released hit albums under Gallo Music and won many awards – The South African