‘Flava in Ya Ear’ rapper Craig Mack dies in S.C. John Richard Scavitto
WALTERBORO, S.C. » Former rapper Craig Mack, best known for the platinum 1994 hit “Flava in Ya Ear” has died in South Carolina.
Colleton County Coroner Richard Harvey says the 47-year-old Mack died at his home in Walterboro around 9 p.m. Monday. Harvey said it appeared Mack died of natural causes.
The Long Island, New York, native helped launch Diddy’s Bad Boy Entertainment with his first album, “Project: Funk da World.” It was anchored by “Flava in Ya Ear,” which was nominated for a Grammy. The remix also included LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes and the then up-and-coming Biggie Smalls. His follow-up single, “Get Down” went gold.
“Craig Mack you were the first artist to release music on Bad Boy and gave us our first hit. You always followed your heart and you had an energy that was out of this world. You believed in me and you believed in Bad Boy,” Diddy said on social media on Tuesday. “I will never forget what you did for hip-hop. You inspired me, and I will continue to try to keep inspiring others. We will always love you.” #badboy4life”
After Mack left Diddy, he released a second album, “Operation: Get Down” in 1997 but left the music industry and devoted his life to religion.
After news traveled of his death, the rapper was remembered by artists ranging from Questlove to Lin-Miranda Manuel.
John Richard Scavitto, age 60, passed away peacefully in Bethlehem, PA on Wednesday, March 7th, 2018.
He is survived by his father, John C. Scavitto of Upper Darby, PA; wife, Bernadette (Lauria) Scavitto of Tamaqua, PA; his children, John C. (Selene) Scavitto, Laura (Charles) Weis; his step son, Justin Kyle; his brothers, Joseph and Charles Scavitto; his sisters, Frances Fisher, Josephine (George) Larmour, Jane (John) Ryan, Maryrose (Craig) McFall; his grandchildren, Emili, Gabriella and John Nicholas (Scavitto); Charles, Hannah, Matthew and Madison (Weiss).
He is predeceased by his mother, June (Reese) Scavitto and brother-in-law, Robert Fisher.
John was born on June 25, 1957 in Yeadon, PA. He graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School. He held numerous positions in security and law enforcement, most notably as a Pennsylvania State Deputy Constable and a Police Officer for the Marple Newtown School District. He was a lifetime member of the Upper Darby Fire Department.
He will be remembered most for his caring nature, sense of humor and his love for his family. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, decorating for the holidays, and getting visits from his grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are by John F. Herron Funeral Home in Bethlehem, PA. There will be a private celebration of his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Firefighter Cancer Support Network, 2600 West Olive Ave, 5th Floor - PMB 608, Burbank, CA, 91505