Local Hip-Hop Pioneer Nico Found Dead After Grab Shift in Kampung Baru, Family Awaits Post-Mortem Results

The local music scene has been rocked by the sudden death of Nico, a beloved figure in Malaysian hip-hop, whose real name was Abdul Fashah Abdul Aziz. Nico, 52, was found dead in his sleep at a friend’s house in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, after completing his Grab driving shift on the night of April 4, 2025. His passing has left fans and family in shock, and many are still awaiting official details on the cause of death as a post-mortem is being conducted.

A Sudden Tragedy

The news of Nico’s untimely passing spread quickly throughout the local community, especially among those who had grown up with his music. According to reports, Nico had been working as a Grab driver to make ends meet after stepping away from the music scene in recent years. After finishing his shift that night, he stopped by his friend’s home in Kampung Baru to rest.

At around 11 PM, Nico’s friend noticed that he was unresponsive and tried to wake him up. However, there was no response, and it was soon confirmed that he had passed away in his sleep. Nico’s former manager, Ayob Abd Majid, was one of the first people to be notified of the tragic event. Ayob explained that he received a call from the friend around 11:15 PM, informing him of Nico’s sudden death.

“He often visited Kampung Baru, even though he lived in Cheras. That night, after finishing his Grab shift, he stopped by briefly to rest,” Ayob shared. “When his friend tried to wake him, there was no response. It was such a shock for everyone.”

Awaiting Post-Mortem Results

The cause of Nico’s death remains unknown as his family and friends await the results of a post-mortem. The body was immediately taken to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for examination, and authorities are working to determine the exact reason behind the sudden passing.

There are many speculations regarding the cause of death, but nothing has been confirmed yet. Some suggest that the long hours of working as a Grab driver might have taken a toll on his health, while others are hopeful that it could have been due to natural causes. The family is anxiously awaiting further information from the doctors to understand what led to this shocking event.

Nico: A Pioneer of Malaysian Hip-Hop

Nico was not just any artist; he was one of the pioneers of Malaysian hip-hop. In the early 1990s, he gained fame as part of the trio Nico, alongside Affa and Dino. Their breakout hit, Inilah Nasibku, became an instant sensation upon its release in 1993. The song resonated with fans across the country, and it helped solidify their place in the local music scene.

The group’s debut album Buatan Los Angeles was a milestone in the Malaysian hip-hop genre. The album introduced a fresh sound that incorporated local elements into the growing global hip-hop culture. Following the success of their first album, Nico, Affa, and Dino released Realiti in 1995 and Alamak! in 1996. These albums were hugely popular and helped them expand their fan base, with many young people looking up to them as hip-hop idols.

The Breakup and Comeback

Despite the success, the group went on a hiatus in the late 1990s, leaving fans wondering if they would ever see Nico and his bandmates perform together again. However, in 2003, Nico made a surprise comeback with the album Ops Kecoh. This time, the group featured a new member, Ezad, but Nico was still at the center of it all. The return of the group was warmly received by both old and new fans, and it marked a new chapter in Nico’s musical career.

Although Nico continued to stay active in the Malaysian hip-hop community, his focus began to shift away from the music scene in the following years. He started working in various other roles, including as a Grab driver, to support himself and his family. Despite his reduced public presence, Nico never lost his love for the music that made him famous, and he remained a respected figure in the local hip-hop scene.

Nico’s Legacy in the Hip-Hop Scene

Nico’s contribution to the Malaysian hip-hop scene cannot be overstated. He was one of the first artists to help popularize the genre in the country and pave the way for other local rappers to follow in his footsteps. His music not only entertained but also offered a voice to a generation of Malaysians who felt unheard and overlooked.

As a rapper, Nico’s lyrics often focused on real-life issues, including social struggles, personal hardships, and the challenges faced by young people. His authentic approach to music made him relatable to many fans, especially those who grew up listening to him in the 1990s. Songs like Inilah Nasibku spoke to the realities of life, and the powerful messages resonated with a wide audience.

Even after his time in the spotlight had dimmed, Nico’s influence remained strong. His music continued to inspire new generations of hip-hop artists, and his impact on Malaysian culture was undeniable. Fans from all walks of life remembered him fondly as a pioneering force in the local music scene.

Tributes from Fans and Colleagues

Since the news of Nico’s passing broke, fans and fellow musicians have flooded social media with tributes to the late rapper. Many expressed their shock and sadness over the loss, sharing memories of the impact that Nico’s music had on their lives.

“Rest in peace, Nico. You were a legend, and your music will live on forever,” wrote one fan on Instagram. Others shared old photos of Nico and recalled attending his concerts or listening to his albums during their youth.

Nico’s former colleagues, including Affa and Dino, have also expressed their grief over his death. They shared heartfelt messages on social media, thanking Nico for his contributions to the group and to the Malaysian music industry.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

As the family waits for the post-mortem results, the entire hip-hop community, fans, and the general public are mourning the loss of a musical legend. Nico may no longer be with us, but his music and legacy will live on forever. His contributions to the local hip-hop scene were pivotal in shaping the genre as we know it today, and his influence will continue to inspire future generations of artists.

Though his sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of many, Nico will always be remembered as one of the true pioneers of Malaysian hip-hop, whose music transcended generations and brought people together. Rest in peace, Nico.