R&B singer B. Smyth, known for ‘Twerkaholic,’ dies of respiratory failure at 30
Smyth, whose twerk videos of himself dancing and performing lewd gestures gained more than 1.6 million YouTube views since 2012, died on Tuesday. He was 30.
Smyth’s family confirmed the news on Wednesday morning.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of B. Smyth,” his family wrote on Facebook. “He passed away peacefully around 9:00a.m. We wish to thank his family for their love and support and we ask that privacy be respected during this time of sadness.”
Smyth, who first burst on the music scene as one of the most entertaining musical guests for Ellen DeGeneres’ 2013 show, “Ellen’s Extra-Life,” gained more than 3.9 million YouTube views, more than 16 million views on social media and over one million followers on Instagram.
But more than his videos, his talent spread through the “Twerkaholic” viral videos that were uploaded to the website.
Smyth, whose real first name was Brian, was also known for his dance skill during appearances on “Saturday Night Live” and during his “Twerkaholic” videos.
One of the viral videos was filmed on Jan. 31, 2011, in Los Angeles where the performer was reportedly found laying unconscious with a plastic bag over his head.
He was rushed to the hospital but soon recovered and was released. Doctors later revealed Smyth was allergic to allergenic drugs and tested him for every possible asthma, allergic and food allergies. It was later revealed he took allergenic pills every other day.
Doctors discovered that Smyth had a rare form of a rare chronic lung disease.
He was admitted in 2014 to the hospital in order to receive lung transplants. His first lung transplant was
