Father Shaheed, DJ for Poor Righteous Teachers, Passes Away

The hip-hop family has lost another one of its pioneers.

Father Shaheed, the DJ for the Trenton N.J. rap group Poor Righteous Teachers, passed away from a motorcycle accident recently. At this time it's unclear what day the accident occurred.

Upon first word of the tragic news, condolences quickly spread around the Internet. Rap group Public Enemy posted their condolences on their Facebook page.

They wrote: "The PE family sends condolences out to the family and friends of DJ Father Shaheed from Poor Righteous Teachers, who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident."

Poor Righteous Teachers achieved global fame in 1990, after releasing their first album 'Holy Intellect,' which spawned the group's signature cut, 'Rock Dis Funky Joint.'

Other members include rappers Wise Intelligent and Culture Freedom, and along with Father Shaheed, the group were major contributors in the pro-black era of hip-hop, which also included acts like X Clan, Brand Nubian, and of course Public Enemy.

Rest in peace to Father Shaheed and condolences to his family and friends.