Attrell Cordes, a.k.a. rapper Prince Be of P.M. Dawn, died yesterday at age 46. The cause of death was kidney disease resulting from diabetes, the group stated on its website.
Prince Be and brother Jarrett Cordes, a.k.a. DJ Minutemix, founded P.M. Dawn in 1988. They went on to become influential in 90’s R&B, scoring mellow, soulful hits like “I’d Die Without You” and “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss.” SPIN rated their sophomore album The Bliss Album…? one of the best of 1993.
A cousin, Gregory Lewis Carr II or “Doc. G,” later replaced Minutemix in the group. “Prince Be Rest In Peace Forever More, / Pain from diabetes can’t harm you anymore, / My Heart is at Peace B-Cuz U suffered so long, / Tell Grandma I said Hi & Stay Blisstatic & Strong,” he wrote on Facebook.
Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda paid tribute to Prince Be on Twitter:
“Is it my turn to wish you were lying here?” -one of the best opening lyrics ever.
RIP Prince Be.
Thx for expanding the sound of hip-hop.— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) 18 juin 2016
Watch the original video for “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” below.