Wu Tang rapper ODB dies suddenly, age 35

Ol' Dirty Bastard, one of the founding members of rappers the Wu Tang Clan, has died suddenly at the age of 35.

Sources close to ODB - real name Russell Jones - told MTV News that he had complained of chest pains in the hours before his death on Saturday in New York.

A statement released by his mother Cherry Jones read: "This evening I received a phone call that is every mother's worst dream. My son, Russell Jones, passed away.

"To the public, he was known as Ol' Dirty Bastard. To me, he was known as Rusty, the kindest and most generous soul on earth. I appreciate all the support I received.

"Russell was more than a rapper — he was a loving father, brother, uncle and most of all, son. With love, Cherry Jones."

More on this story will follow as it develops.