UPDATE (12/31/20): MF DOOM has passed away. In a developing story, the legendary MC’s wife and record label have revealed that he died in late October. The man born Daniel Dumile leaves behind a rich legacy as a top lyricist, innovative producer, and one of Hip-Hop history’s best comeback stories.

Related: 20 Years Ago Operation: Doomsday Was Released And MF DOOM Was Born

Original Story: DOOM (aka MF DOOM) has a career marred by tragedy. On April 23, 1993, the MC/producer lost his brother and KMD band-mate DJ Subroc when, as a pedestrian, the man born Dingilizwe Dumile was struck by a car on the Long Island Expressway. DOOM now publicly mourns the loss of his 14-year-old son, Malachi Ezekiel Dumile. The cause of Malachi’s death has not been made public, but DOOM (aka Daniel Dumile) did confirm that his son passed away earlier today (December 18).

On social media, DOOM posted a photograph and called him “the greatest son one could ask for”:

Malachi was born during a pivotal point in DOOM’s career and mythology. That 2003, DOOM released Take Me To Your Leader (as “King Geedorah”) followed by Vaudeville Villain (as “Viktor Vaughn”). In 2004, with an infant son at home, DOOM followed with two of his most beloved works: Madvillainy (a Madvillain collaboration with Madlib), and Mm…Food, the second proper DOOM solo.

It was 20 years ago when DOOM (previously known as Zev Love X) took on his new name and signature metal mask. As legend has it, his face reminded him of the loss of Subroc and the pain caused the Operation Doomsday creator to cover it up. During much of that period in the mid-late 1990s, DOOM has admitted that he battled homelessness and alcoholism.

Other Hip-Hop artists who have lost children include Dr. Dre, Styles P, Xzibit, and King T. JAY-Z was a close mentor to Colleek D. Luckie, his 20-year-old nephew. Parts of “Lost Ones” deal with that 2005 auto accident fatality.

Ambrosia For Heads extends condolences to DOOM and his family.