2 Direct Crew Member Brother Marquez died at the age of 57

The rapper died on Monday – according to the group’s official social media accounts… which indicated that he “went to the upstairs room.” The 2LC director confirmed his death to us, but had no further details about the cause or manner.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ the death appears natural, and foul play is not suspected.

While Marquez — who was born as Mark Ross — wasn’t a founding member of the iconic rap group, he certainly helped cement them as the juggernaut act they became in ’80s and ’90s hip-hop…and joined the likes of DJ Mr. Mixx, Fresh Kid Ice, and Luke Skywalker in 1986.

By the time Marquez joined 2LC, they were already making waves – having released “Throw the D” and other raunchy songs that were putting them on the map… and this was only reinforced by witty, tongue-in-cheek lyrics that were full of seduction Duplex.

He ended up appearing on their album “The 2 Live Crew Is What We Are”… and went on to appear as a rapper on their other albums as well, including “Move Somethin” and “As Nasty As They Wanna”. Be, “Banned in the USA”, and “As Disgusting as They Want to Be Part Two”.

By the early ’90s, most of the crew had disbanded — but Marquez went on to have more success in the music world on his own… and he formed the group 2 Nasty, and also continued to appear on a wide range of records as well… including MCs like ice tea And others.

He eventually reunited with some of the 2 Live Crew members to release more music, and he also released some solo stuff as well.

Marquez was 57 years old.