Senate Resolution No. 4340

BY: Senator COMRIE

MOURNING the death of Craig Mack, Grammy-nominated
rapper, devout minister and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those musical geniuses whose commitment and creative talents
have contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of their
community and the entire State of New York; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved this day to memorialize the
inspired life and career of Craig Mack, a prominent figure in the
history of American music, who died in Walterboro, South Carolina, on
Monday, March 12, 2018, at the age of 46; and

WHEREAS, Born on May 10, 1971, Craig Mack is best known for the
indelible classic "Flava in Ya Ear," a Top 10 hit in 1994 that sold over
one million copies, and its subsequent remix featuring Notorious B.I.G.,
LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes and Rampage; and

WHEREAS, The original, a certified platinum hit on its accompanying
gold-certified album Project: Funk Da World, would eventually reach No.
1 on the Billboard rap songs chart, No. 9 on the Hot 100, and earn a
Best Rap Solo Performance Grammy nomination; and

WHEREAS, Craig Mack got his start in the music industry at a young
age, dropping his first single under the name MC EZ when he was just a
teenager; he made his major label recording debut on a remix of Mary J.
Blige's "You Don't Have To Worry" in 1992; and

WHEREAS, A native of Brentwood, Long Island, Craig Mack helped make
P. Diddy's now iconic label, Bad Boy Records, synonymous with New York
hip-hop; and

WHEREAS, The rapper ultimately left Bad Boy Records and released his
second album, "Operation: Get Down," in 1997, before departing from the
music industry altogether to devote his life to religion; he later
appeared in the video for P. Diddy's hit, "I Need a Girl Part 1"; and

WHEREAS, Craig Mack was renowned for always following his heart and
for his undeniable energy; he faithfully served as a minister at the
Overcomer Ministry Church in Walterboro, South Carolina; and

WHEREAS, A man of colossal talent and charisma, Craig Mack is missed
by his wife and two children, as well as his many fans and all who knew
him; his dedication to his music and his faith leaves an indelible
legacy of inspiration for other artists and for his community; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Craig Mack leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the
passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served
and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Craig Mack, Grammy-nominated rapper, devout minister
and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Craig Mack.