What Was ProKid's Cause of Death? Linda Mkhize Dies at 37 Years Old

South African rapper ProKid was found dead in Johannesburg on Wednesday, according to South African news site AllAfrica.com. ProKid, whose birth name was Linda Mkhize, was 37 years old.

The musician's family confirmed his death in a statement and said ProKid was visiting a friend when he suffered a severe seizure. Paramedics were called but the rapper was pronounced dead upon their arrival.

No information on what caused his seizure has been released at this time.

ProKid's manager Mpho Motsoaledi told South Africa's Eye Witness News the rapper's death was a shock. "A friend called the paramedics, they go there and they tried to help him, to revive him but..." Motsoaledi said.

ProKid was considered one of Africa's most influencing artists of his generation after releasing a number of hip-hop records in his native tongue, many of which received critical acclaim and won awards including South Africa's HYPE Award and the Channel O Music Video Award, according to South Africa newspaper The Citizen. The rapper's biggest works include chart-topping albums like his 2005 debut Heads and Tales, 2007's Dankie San and his 2009 release of Snakes and Ladders.

After news of his death broke, dozens of ProKid's fans took to social media to extend their condolences, including Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa. Calling ProKid a "lyrical genius," Mthethwa said he was "deeply saddened by the tragic passing" of ProKid.

"Prokid took rapping in African languages to great heights and he will go down as one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop artists of his generation," Mthethwa said in a statement to The Citizen.

Motsoaledi said South Africa's music industry lost a great man who put on an amazing performance no matter how many people came out to his shows. "Pro would go to a gig and he would find a very small crowd, but he'd appreciate that people came out," he said.