Russell Simmons - Stars Pay Tribute To Rapper Mr. Magic

The 37 year old, real name Awood Johnson, and his wife Chastity were both killed in the accident, but their daughter Twila Wise Johnson, 12, survived. No further details of the crash were available as Wenn went to press.

Rapper Mystikal took to his Twitter.com page to share the tragic news, writing, "Rip to my brother. Mr Magic and his wife! God bless their families," while hip-hop mogul Simmons simply added, "Rip Mr. Magic..."

Monica offered, "Rest in peace Awood Mr. Magic Johnson & Chastity Johnson love u (sic) always," while Johnson's past collaborator, incarcerated rapper C-Murder shares, "Moment of silence for the big homie Mr. Magic. Rip Mr. Magic & his wife. Prayers are with you and your family."

Family members have also expressed their heartache, with Johnson's sister Timisha Brooks telling The Times-Picayune newspaper, "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."

A New Orleans native, Johnson was the son of gospel and jazz singer Juanita Brooks, who passed away in 2009, and nephew of R&B guitarist Detroit Brooks, Sr.

Johnson was a member of rap group No Limit and his 1998 debut album Sky's The Limit featured collaborations with C-Murder and Snoop Dogg. He released a further three albums and later formed his own Banx Entertainment record label in 2011.

Details of the rapper's funeral have yet to be announced.