New York Battle Rapper Robert 'Pumpkinhead' Diaz Dies at 39, Memorial Fund Established

MStars News has learned that New York rapper, Robert Diaz, a.k.a. Pumpkinhead, died Tuesday, June 9 from unknown causes. The underground battle rapper was only 39-years-old. According to US Magazine, Diaz was admitted to a New Jersey hospital earlier this week for minor surgery. As news spread of the rapper's sudden death, Pumpkinhead's fellow friend, Immortal Technique wrote a lenthy message about the late New York native, and even revealed that a memorial fund has been set up.

"Rest in Power. Robert Diaz. Pumpkinhead. PH. I remember when I first met my old friend Robert Diaz. He was in front of SOBS, after just having performed at the Tunnel, he was in a jovial and victorious mood. By that time Pumpkinhead as I would come to know him and then later PH, was one of the most prominent battlers in the game. This was even before the youtube era, SMACK, Grindtime, etc. I guess it feels like we were old boxers, like those guys who wore tape on their hands and fought for 108 rounds and then did a shift at the steel mill the next day. He was one of those guys who would just freestyle in the street for hours, 20 round battles, of merciless bars, and he always had a box of CD's hustling. He was one of the first people besides Breez Evahflowin who really encouraged me and accepted into that elite club of people with the skill to show and prove in the street, not just on stage. They both really pushed the idea of independent music to me. I appreciate those lessons now more than ever. We broke many a night roaming around NYC from after a show/battle until the break of dawn, laughing about stolen rent money, and how I always wore the same Army jacket for years. We hit the Puerto Rican Day parade together, we found ourselves at the West 4th Diner. Its hard for me to even write this... I could go on for hours."

Technique also provided information for a fund that has been set up for the rapper.

"My friend, you were one of the last Titans. I will post any information about arrangements at the families request, and if the family asks anything of me I am at their service," he wrote. "There has been a webpage to donate directly to his family in this time of crisis. Please consider a donation of any size it would make a world of difference. https://www.youcaring.com/shawntay-ocasio-366664#"

So far, almost $17,000 of the $20,000 goal has been reached. Diaz is survived by his wife, their two sons (and daughter on the way), and his mother.

A Facebook memorial was also sent up that reads: "In Memory of Robert PumpkinHead Diaz." Anyone can join the group.

Following the thousands of mourners, hip hop artist Talib Kweli also revealed that he was shocked to learn about his friend's death.

"Just finding out I lost a great friend today. RIP Robert Diaz AKA Pumpkinhead. Robert and I went to PS 282 together in Brooklyn, 4th grade," he said. "We then reconnected when he became an MC during the indie era of the late 90s. He signed to Makin Records, I signed to Rawkus. Then PH went on to reinvent himself again in the new battle rap era. He LOVED MCing and was great at it. To lose such a great human being so early in his life, man. No words. There is a fraternity of artists who were around for all of this. PH inspired us all. He will live on thru us even though his physical presence will be missed. RIP Robert Diaz."

A photo posted by Talib Kweli (@talibkweli) on Jun 9, 2015 at 9:51am PDT