Thug Life co-founder Big Syke (aka Tyruss Himes) has died today (December 6). A Hip-Hop veteran of nearly 25 years, Syke was a close associate of Tupac Shakur. In addition to Thug Life’s 1994 album, Syke appeared on Tupac tracks like “All Eyez On Me,” “When We Ride,” and the Still I Rise opener “Letter To The President.” TMZ reports that Syke was found in his home, reportedly having died of natural causes. He was 48 years old.

A native of Inglewood, California, Syke released four independent albums. In 2002, he teamed with J. Prince’s Rap-A-Lot Records to release his self-titled LP. That album featured Nate Dogg, Tha Outlawz, and extensive production from G.O.O.D. Music’s Mike Dean. Other Syke albums included collaboration with DJ Quik, Johnny J, E-40, and Above The Law.

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The MC formed Evil Mind Gangstas with Long Beach, California’s Domino and Mental Illness. They released 1992’s All Hell Breakin’ Loose. He would be an early Outlawz co-founder (under the name “Moozaliny”) but exited prior to the collective’s Death Row Records contract and first release in the late 1990s.

In addition to Tupac, founding Thug Life member Stretch (aka Randy Walker) is also deceased. They are survived by Mopreme Shakur, Macadoshis, and The Rated R. Earlier this year, Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur died.

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Ambrosia For Heads extends condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Big Syke.