He was 49 years old.
No cause of death was provided and CNN contacted its record label and representatives to inquire about the delay in announcing his death.
She started the note by addressing the rapper, whose real name was Daniel Dumile, by his last name.
“The best husband, father, teacher, student, business partner, lover and friend I could ask for,” said the note “Thank you for all the things you showed, taught and gave to me, our children and our family.”
Several well-known artists resorted to social media to mourn his death.
Born in London in 1971, he moved with his family to Long Island, New York, as a child and began performing and producing hip hop in his teens under the name Zev Love X.
He and his younger brother Dingilizwe, known as DJ Subroc, formed the KMD group and released a critically acclaimed debut album, “Mr. Hood”, in 1991.
His second album was set for release in 1993, when Dumile’s brother died after being hit by a car.
Five years later, the rapper resurfaced as Metal Face Doom, wearing a mask inspired by Marvel villain Dr. Doom, and released a solo album entitled “Operation: Doomsday”.
“I wanted to go on stage and pray, without people thinking about the normal things people think about. Like girls saying, ‘Oh, he’s sexy’ or ‘I don’t want him, he’s ugly’, and then others guys evaluating you get up, “said Dumile. “A look always makes a first impression. But if there is a first impression, I can also use it to control the story. So why not do something like put on a mask?”
He became known for his intellect, wit and intricate rhyming style, which he displayed on six solo albums and five collaborative projects with names like Danger Mouse and Ghostface Killah.
In 2017, his 14-year-old son, King Malachi Ezekiel Dumile, died.
The rapper’s wife referred to this loss when announcing her husband’s death.
“Words will never express what you and Malachi mean to me, I love you both and I love you always,” she wrote. “May EVERYONE continue to bless you, our family and the planet.”