Rapper Big Syke, friend of Tupac, found dead in Calif. home

Rapper Big Syke, who was a longtime friend and collaborator of Tupac Shakur's, has died, according to reports.

Syke — whose real name is Tyruss Himes — was found dead inside his Hawthorne, Calif., home on Monday night and no foul play is suspected, TMZ reported.

The 48-year-old is believed to have died of natural causes, but an official autopsy has yet to be performed. Syke reportedly had a history of obesity and heart issues, according to the gossip site.

The Inglewood, Calif. rapper's rhymes were featured on some of Tupac's most popular songs, like "All Eyez on Me," "Picture me Rollin" and "Check out Time."

The pals met in 1992 and Syke then joined on to become member of Tupac's Thug Life Group, which released one album before calling it quits after Tupac died in Sept. 1996.

Syke also released four albums on his own, including "Be Yo' Self," "Big Syke Daddy," "Street Commando," and his 2002 self-titled album "Big Syke."