Craig Mack, one of the most prominent figures in Bad Boy Records’ early years, reportedly died of heart failure on Monday (March 12). He was 46.

The Grammy-nominated “Flava In Ya Ear” star’s passing was confirmed by producer Alvin Toney, who worked on Mack’s debut album, 1994’s Project: Funk Da World, according to the New York Daily News.

Toney said he recently visited Mack at the Overcomer Ministry Church in South Carolina, which he attended. The producer had been working on a documentary about the former rapper’s religion-based work following a successful hip-hop career, which also included 1997’s Operation: Get Down in a post-Bad Boy era.

“Nobody got to understand his story,” Toney explained. “I wanted the world to know the talent he had. It was something I wanted people to enjoy, but it was cut short because he was very religious and wanted to go to church.”

Toney claims that Mack told him he had been ill and that he “knew he wouldn’t live long,” according to the report. “He was prepared for whatever comes, to go home to the Lord,” he added. “He wasn’t scared. He was ready.”

Mack leaves behind a wife and two adult children. R.I.P., Craig Mack.