NEW HAVEN, CT. (THECOUNT) — Steve “Stezo” Williams, the rapper and dancer perhaps best known for his late 80s hit songs, “To the Max” and “It’s My Turn,” has died. He was 51.

Williams passing was confirmed on Thursday by his producer and DJ, Chris Lowe on Twitter:

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“Peace..this is Chris Lowe STEZO’s dj and producer. Thanks for the love and when u can, play a STEZO joint for us”

Stezo was a native of New Haven, Connecticut. Stezo’s cousin, Dooley-O, is also a renowned Connecticut-based hip-hop figure. He began his career as a dancer with hip-hop collective, EPMD. Stezo appeared in the video for the group’s single, “You Gots to Chill.” The song was featured on EPMD’s album, Strictly Business. EPMD stood for “Erick and Parrish Making Dollars,” reports Heavy.

A cause of death was not provided.

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Geo quick facts: New Haven is a coastal city on Long Island Sound, in Connecticut. It’s home to the Ivy League Yale University, founded in 1701. The institution’s museums include the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art. Grove Street Cemetery, dating from the late 18th century, has a 19th-century Egyptian Revival gateway. The New Haven Museum covers local history – wikipedia.