Hip-Hop Reacts to Aretha Franklin’s Death

Following reports that Aretha Franklin was gravely ill, the Queen of Soul has died. She was 76 years old.

According to the Associated Press, a publicist for the legendary singer confirmed she passed away on Thursday (Aug. 16) at her home in Detroit following a battle with advanced pancreatic cancer.

“In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart," a statement from Franklin's family reads. "We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins knew no bounds,"

When news of her illness broke, the hip-hop world sent their love and prayers to Franklin, wishing her a speedy recovery. Now, members of the hip-hop community such as Chance The Rapper, Gucci Mane, 9th Wonder, Juicy J and more are paying their respects.

"All of us. ALL of us stood on your shoulders. You were the Genesis of it all. The Genesis of the word, “Soul”... Goodbye, Aretha," wrote producer 9th Wonder on Twitter.

DJ Premier also shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing, "Sleep Peacefully Queen! You Set The Tone Of How To Belt Out Pure Soul From Your Gut... I Represent The Pages Of Your Book On How To Go Hard In This Music Biz Life. I Stay Competitive From Passion, Spirit & Soul SALUTE!"

Sampled countless times in hip-hop, Franklin's classic songs can be heard in OutKast's "Jazzy Belle," Kanye West's "School Spirit," Big Sean's "Call Me," Nas' "The Rise and Fall" and Styles P's "The Life."

Take a look at some of the reactions from the hip-hop world below.