REST IN PEACE PAKELIKA: THE VISUAL ASSASSIN

  The Kottonmouth Kings family and the entire underground scene have suffered a massive loss today. Former Kottonmouth Kings member Patrick "Pakelika" Cochrun has died at the age of 34. Following a critical asthma attack, he passed away from cardiac arrest earlier this afternoon on Saturday, August 11. According to his manager, EMTs and hospital staff attempted to revive him several times before he was placed on life support at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Burbank, where he passed surrounded by friends and family. 

The timing of this tragedy is incredibly heavy. Pakelika passed away on the exact 14-year anniversary of the release of "Royal Highness" (August 11, 1998). That landmark debut album introduced the 6'7" masked "Visual Assassin" to the world, laying the foundation for the entire rip-hop movement. Although he parted ways with the Kings in 2010 to pursue an acting career, his legendary stage presence, silent charisma, and unique pop-and-lock dance moves left a permanent mark on the SubNoize empire. 

The devastating news hits right as the Kings are out on the road preparing for the release of their "Mile High" album. The band released an official statement expressing that they were shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of their former member and friend. Pakelika wasn't just a hype man; he was a defining symbol of the movement's early chaotic energy. As the underground blasts "Royal Highness" tonight in his honor, our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who witnessed the Visual Assassin tear up the stage. Rest in peace, Big Pak.