The Kottonmouth Kings West Coast mega-cult has never been my preference of hip-hop (you could describe aspects of the music otherwise, but that's not my purpose), but it's due to throw up the unfortunate news that their "visual assassin" and hypeman Pakelika passed away over the weekend due to cardiac arrest related to an asthma condition.
While official details on the condition have yet to be released, Pakelika's manager Doug Cosgro release a statement on the issue:
"Patrick fought asthma for many years successfully. There's no way he could have foreseen the severity of his last seizure. On the way to the hospital, EMTs and hospital staff tried to revive him the five times--he flatlined. He was on life support until Saturday afternoon."
Pakelika, born Patrick Cockrun, made his fame through his 6'7" height and dancing (dubbed "hydro mechanix") presence with the Kottonmouth Kings, who he left in 2010, and was dubbed, as mentioned above, their "visual assassin." Despite his departure, the Kottonmouth Kings released a statement on Pakelika's passing:
"At such a exciting time for the group, we were blindsided, shocked and saddened by the terrible news about former member/friend, Pakelika's sudden death. Nothing prepares you for such news. It is another example of how precious life really is. It has been a couple years since Big Pak performed with the Kings, but his presence and impact will be felt and live forever. Patrick 'Pakelika' Cochrun was a very unique and special person. He is a man that had convictions and honor. We had traveled the world together and played hundreds of shows together. The memories and experiences we had together will live forever in our hearts and souls."
As I said, I can't rightly speak with authority about the hip-hop subgenre, but Pakelika's family, associates, etcetera have our condolences.
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