Craig Mack, famous for the Grammy nominated song "Flava in Ya Ear" died of natural causes at the age of 46 but there are reports that his death was caused by heart failure. His death sparked a conversation about Black Men and heart disease. A silent killer that goes after more than 600,000 Americans but 44% of those deaths are Black Men.
Dr. Dudley Goulden, a cardiologist at UT Health East Texas Physicians, says eating foods that are high in sodium, low in potassium, along with little exercise and smoking play a huge role in heart failure or disease. Goulden said there are high rates of: high blood pressure, obesity and cholesterol with Black Men in East Texas. He said those type of issues can lead to other complications such as kidney failure or stroke. The cardiologist suggested a person's blood pressure should be "less than 130 over 80".
"And when you get up to 140 over 90, you need to be taking some definite steps," Goulden said. "So, it's important to check your blood pressure."
The doctor said blood pressure can be a major cardiac risk factor. However, he did mention ways to prevent heart disease from attacking. While one can't control their blood pressure without working on their weight and physical activities. Dr. Goulden said one of the leading factors in lack of exercise is people saying they don't have time.
Goulden says clean eating that involves fruits and vegetables, with a 30-minute walk after work can help the body. Smoking is also a factor in heart disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported one in five Black Men are cigarette smokers.
It was the year 1994 when Craig Mack launched the classic he's best known for "Flava in Ya Ear". It is the one song that helped put his name and Bad Boy Entertainment on the spotlight. Mack was the first to sign with Bad Boy along with the incoming superstar, Notorious B.I.G., who's career eventually overshadowed Mack's.
The emcee eventually left Bad Boy around 1997 and released his sophomore album, Operation: Get Down. Unfortunately, it didn't do as well compared to his first album. Later, Mack left the music industry and became a minister.
The news of his death comes as a shock to those who knew and worked with him. Rapper, LL Cool J, publicly paid his respects when his tweeted in part:
"Rest in power Craig"
Bad Boy Entertainment's founder, Sean "Diddy" Combs tweeted in part:
"You believed in me and you believed in Bad Boy. I will never forget what did for Hip-Hop."
Mack's supposed last contribution to Hip-Hop was a 2017 album, titled, Project: Funk Da World.
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