Robert Cooper Phillips (April 27, 1975 – October 9, 2015), better known by his stage name Koopsta Knicca, was an American rapper. He was best known as one of the members of the Memphis rap group Three 6 Mafia, as well as a member of the rap collective Da Mafia 6ix alongside DJ Paul, Crunchy Black and Gangsta Boo.
Phillips released a solo album produced by DJ Paul, Da Devil’s Playground in 1994. The album was later mostly re-recorded as well as remastered in 1999 featuring an alternate tracklist.
Unable to make shows and videos due to legal issues, he left Three 6 Mafia in 2000. He continued his solo work with albums Da K Project, De Inevitable, and The Mind of Robert Cooper. Beginning in 2012, Phillips started work on his latest studio album entitled Da Devil’s Playground 2 and also a mixtape entitled Skrewged. He had also released A Murda ‘N Room 8 EP (2010) and Decepticons – Return Of The Gods (2012). Phillips frequently collaborated with former Three 6 Mafia associate Lord Infamous and appeared on a collaborative album under the group name Da Mafia 6ix.
Career
Phillips joined the Memphis rap group Three 6 Mafia in 1991. According to Lord Infamous, he went to the same high school as DJ Paul and later Juicy J. He was featured on numerous Three 6 Mafia albums including the platinum-selling When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1. He left the group after the release of the album in 2000 due to his incarceration, which made him unable to make shows and videos in addition to breaching his contract with Sony. DJ Paul issued a statement regarding Phillips’ death and mentioned that they were in the process of starting what would have been his 11th solo album, Da Devil’s Playground 2, shortly before his death.[1]
Death[edit]
On October 6, 2015, Phillips suffered a stroke and was put on life support. At around 1:00 am on October 9, Phillips was removed from life support.