2000s rap star and lead singer of Crazy Town, Shifty Shellshock, dies aged 49

Lead singer of rap/rock band Crazy Town, Shifty Shellshock, has died. He was 49.

Shellshock, born Seth Binzer, was best known for Crazy Town’s 2000’s hit Butterfly.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s website states that the musician passed on Monday at his home.

READ MORE: Pirates of the Caribbean star dies after shark attack

A cause of death has not been disclosed.

Crazy Town released their debut album The Gift of Game in 1999, after Shellshock and the band’s co-founder, Bret Mazur, met in 1992.

Following the release of their album, they went on to support the Red Hot Chilli Peppers on tour.

When they first began making music, they did so under the name the Brimstone Sluggers, however changed to Crazy Town once members Rust Epique, James Bradley Jr., Doug Miller, Adam Goldstein and Antonio Lorenzo “Trouble” Valli joined the band.

For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.

Just a year later they achieved commercial success with their hit Butterfly, which sampled the Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ Pretty Little Ditty.

It was the third single from their debut album, quickly skyrocketing up the charts worldwide, achieving number-one status on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US.

They released their second album Darkhorse in November 2002 and by 2003 had decided to go on a hiatus.

Shellshock then released a solo album titled Happy Love Sick, which saw him achieve moderate success in Europe.

READ MORE: Mindy Kaling reveals secret pregnancy, birth of third child

Over the years, the singer had been open about his struggle with addiction.

He appeared on two seasons of Celebrity Rehab, and two seasons of Sober House, both of which were reality shows addressing the matter.

Shellshock is survived by his three children, Halo, Gage and Phoenix.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction contact the Alcohol Drug Information Service on 1800 250 015 or Narcotics Anonymous Australia on 1300 652 820.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.