Maurice White, of the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, died in his sleep on Wednesday night (Feb. 3). He was 74 years old.

White, who founded Earth, Wind & Fire, served as one of the vocalists and songwriters for the group. The singer had been suffering from Parkinson's disease since 1992. Due to his battle with Parkinson's, White had not toured with Earth, Wind & Fire since 1994. TMZ reported that White had remain involved in the business side of the group. White's condition reportedly began to deteriorate in the past few months leading up to his death.

White's brother and fellow Earth, Wind & Fire member Verdine released a statement about Maurice's passing.

"My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep," Verdine White wrote. "While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes."

The official Earth, Wind & Fire Twitter also released a brief statement about White's passing: "The light is he, shining on you and me."

The hip-hop world is understandably saddened by White's passing as Earth, Wind & Fire left an indelible influence on the rap game. Check out some hip-hop notables paying their respects to the late Maurice White below.

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