Tragedy struck the New Orleans hip hop community hard this weekend with the news former No Limit artist Mr. Magic has died. According to Nola.com, the 37-year-old rapper, born Awood Johnson, was involved in a fatal car accident on Friday in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, which also claimed the life of his wife, Chastity. The couple’s 12-year-old daughter, Twila Wise Johnson, survived the wreck.

Mr. Magic is best known for his work with Master P’s No Limit Records in 1990s. He released three of his four albums on the label that helped his native New Orleans become a hip hop hot spot. His debut album, Sky’s the Limit, peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart.

Word of Magic’s tragic passing hit home hard for many of his former label mates, who took to Twitter to express their condolences.

"Prayers goes to the Family and Friends of M. Magic. Him and wife died in a car accident last night..," wrote Silkk The Shocker.

"RIP to my brother, Mr. Magic and his wife," Mystikal tweeted. "God bless their families."

Raised in New Orleans' 9th Ward, Johnson grew up in a family of gospel, jazz and R&B singers. His sister Timisha Brooks remembered him for his leadership qualities and love for family.

"He was a passionate guy. He loved his siblings; he loved his wife. There’s a comfort in knowing that neither of them has to live without the other. That makes it more bearable."

Funeral arrangements for Johnson have yet to be announced.

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 (Photo: No Limit Records)