NEW YORK — Long Island-born rapper and actor Gene “Groove” Allen has died unexpectedly, according to his family. His death was confirmed on social media by his daughter, Nikki Wilkins.

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Gene “Groove” Allen, a New York City rapper of the 1980s-’90s trio Groove B. Chill who went on to appear in the 1990 movie House Party and 1993’s What’s Love Got To Do With It ...

But to music fans, Allen was known for founding the New York City hip-hop trio Groove B. Chill, alongside Daryl “Chill” Mitchell and DJ Belal Miller. The group released one studio album ...