Gene ‘Groove’ Allen, Groove B. Chill Rapper And ‘House Party’ Actor, Dies At 62

Allen was also known for his character in the beloved 'House Party' film franchise.

Gene “Grove” Allen, actor and beloved member of the rap group Groove B. Chill, has died at 62.

A relative of Allen’s confirmed the news to TMZ. According to the publication, Allen died suddenly on Feb. 12 at his Maryland residence. Although the family suspects no foul play, the source deemed his death as a result of a medical emergency.

Born in Long Island, New York, Allen got his start in entertainment as a member of a 1980s rap group, The Uptown Crew. However, he later formed Groove B. Chill alongside fellow members Daryl “Chill” Mitchell and Belal “DJ Belal” Miller. The group released one album, “Starting From Zero,” in 1990, as confirmed by Billboard.

The musical trio also garnered fame for appearing in the “House Party” movie franchise. Allen continued acting, having small roles in 1992’s “Boomerang” starring Eddie Murphy, and the 1993 Tina Turner biopic “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” starring Angela Bassett.

In his later years, Allen worked in communal upliftment. He threw events nodding to his role in “House Party” to support veterans and military families. As part of the “House Party Immersive Tour,” Allen also dedicated his efforts to women’s shelters.

Days before his death, Allen also shared snippets of himself rapping to a song from his new EP, “Bring Back The Party.”

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A post shared by Gene Groove Allen (@genegrooveallen)

Allen is survived by his wife and three children. His daughter, Nikki Wilkins, also shared about her father’s unexpected passing on social media. She also condemned TMZ for breaking the news.

“Since TMZ acted like freaking vultures with ZERO etiquette, My father may have had he’s flaws but he was a man of his word,” Wilkins began the post. “Gene Groove Allen may be a celebrity to yall but to us he was the man who made sure we stayed smiling through this rollercoaster we call life. He is loved, he is needed and yes it was a total shock. I know he is watching over me & my siblings.”