The star, real name Israel Perales Ortiz, passed away on Thursday (23Jul15) at his home in Puerto Rico.

Ortiz had been serving a prison sentence for a domestic violence charge, but he was released last month (Jun15) due to his illness, according to Billboard.com.

Ortiz enjoyed success in the underground reggaeton and rap scene, but he also collaborated with mainstream artists DJ Playero and DADDY YANKEE.

Paying tribute to Ortiz on Instagram.com, Daddy Yankee writes, "We fought, we discussed, we shared the stage, we laughed, cried and sang with our hearts this music we are so passionate about."