The Pack’s Young L Reportedly Dead At 39

Young L, the Berkeley rapper and producer who drove the Pack’s sound, has reportedly died aged 39. His death has not been officially confirmed, and his cause of death is unknown; the report matters because his spare, playful production helped shape Bay Area rap and influenced later styles.

The Pack formed in Berkeley in 2005, when its members were teenagers, and broke through nationally with “Vans” the following year after mentor Too $hort signed them to his label. Young L produced most of the group’s 2007 debut album, *Based Boys*, before pursuing solo releases and collaborations. He also produced for artists including Too $hort, Mac Miller, Prodigy, Kool AD and Bladee.