Gene ‘Groove’ Allen, a rapper and actor who was known for his role in rap trio Groove B. Chill, died on Wednesday (Feb. 12). He was 62 years old, according to TMZ, who first reported the news.
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The Long Island, New York, native formed the 1980s group The Uptown Crew in New York City before he branched off with Daryl “Chill” Mitchell and Belal “DJ Belal” Miller to become Groove B. Chill. The group released one studio album, 1990’s Starting From Zero, which featured songs like “Hip Hop Music.”
Groove B. Chill made their way in the TV and film industry when they appeared as characters in the 1990 comedy movie House Party, which starred Kid ‘n Play as has become a cult classic since its release. Allen and Mitchell returned for House Party 2 in 1991. Allen also continued his acting career with small roles in 1992’s Boomerang and 1993’s What’s Love Got To Do With It, an award-winning biographical movie based on the life of Tina Turner.
More recently, Allen has been dedicating his time to community service, raising money for military veterans and families, as well as women’s shelters through various events.
Earlier this year, Allen began teasing an EP titled Bring Back the Party. He took to Instagram earlier this week to share a video rapping one of his songs, “Let It Breathe,” alongside the caption, “2025!!! I aint playing…” The comments are filled with messages of mourning for the entertainer.
Per TMZ, Allen is survived by his wife and three children.
