Gregory "Shock G" Jacobs

Mr. Gregory Edward Jacobs, died on Thursday, April 22, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.  Known professionally as “Shock G” and by his alter ego “Humpty Hump”, he was an internationally known rapper, musician, actor and vocalist.  He was the creator and lead vocalist for the hip hop group, Digital Underground.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, May 1, at 12:00 Noon at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, 2102 N. Lowe Street with Reverend Dr. Glenn B. Dames, Jr., Pastor, officiating.  Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Cemetery, 2966 Belcher Road, Dunedin, FL 34698.  Please follow the CDC guidelines. Masks are required. Please visit www.allentempletampa.org for the opportunity to view service via Live Stream.     

Gregory was a native of New York City and moved to Tampa with his parents in 1969.  He was educated in the local schools of Hillsborough County, attending Chamberlain High School.  Gregory furthered his education and attended Hillsborough Community College where he enrolled in piano classes and studied music theory.  

He displayed a passion for music as a young child and as a teenager, he enjoyed amateur success as a local DJ and radio personality with WTMP radio, the city’s primary radio station at the time.  While Deejaying, he realized that he could not dismiss his passion for the piano, which had been introduced to him at the age of 9 by his mother, Shirley. This passion was also cultivated by his grandma Gloria, who attended Julliard in her late teens and was a pianist.

In 1985, after playing local gigs, Gregory set his sights beyond Tampa and moved to Los Angeles in search of greater opportunities. He played keyboards for local artists in Los Angeles for a brief time before moving to the Bay area, where he found work in a local music store.  It was there that Gregory created the now infamous and world celebrated Digital Underground with his friend, Chopmaster J.  Gregory penned, produced and performed the first recording, a 12” inch record with the songs, “Your Life’s A Cartoon” and “Underwater Rhymes”.  The record was released by TNT Records CEO Atron Gregory.

Later, the group signed with Tommy Boy Records and released “Doowutchyalike,” which paved the way for Digital Underground’s debut album, Sex Packets, which included the legendary hit, “The Humpty Dance.”  Both albums and the “Humpty” song achieved platinum sales certifications.  Digital Underground expanded to include friends: DJ Fuze, Money B, Schmoovy-Schmoov, and Ramone “Pee Wee” Gooden.  Digital Underground’s manager, Atron Gregory heard of a kid in Marin that he thought Gregory should check out.  That kid turned out to be Tupac. 

In addition to his work with Digital Underground, Shock G found success as a solo artist, writer, and music producer.  Greg was also known for his love and talents in fine arts.  He produced Tupac Shakur's breakthrough platinum single "I Get Around" as well as guest starred on the single and music video and he went on to produce Tupac's "So Many Tears" from his multi-platinum album “Me Against the World”.  

With his Digital Underground band members, Gregory appeared in the Dan Aykroyd directed comedy, “Nothing But Trouble”, appearing as both “Shock-G” and “Humpty Hump”. George Clinton and P-Funk significantly influenced Gregory and he later had the opportunity to befriend and tour with his icon. 

While enjoying a very successful musical career, Gregory was devoted to using his celebrity status to the benefit of all who were less fortunate.   He loved nature and had a particular affection for animals.   Gregory was loved by a large family and circle of friends.  His memory will be a blessing.  He was a consummate giver of love to all, and he will be missed.

Gregory is survived by: his mother, Shirley Kraft (Herbert); father, Edward Racker (Sonya); brother, Kent Racker; sister, Elizabeth Racker; aunts, Pamela Jacobs, Maria Wade (Charles), Denise Duchemin, Kim Brinson and Elaine Spencer; nephews, ZaZu Racker and Dylan Alston; and cousin, Dede Cardenas; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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