The pioneering rapper's 23-year-old son Randy Hubbard Parker was found dead in his apartment in an apparent suicide, 'The Associated Press' reported today.

Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office investigator Mark Guilbeau said he died of a gunshot wound to the head and the death was classified as a suicide.

His mother, Simone G. Parker, said he had suffered a long battle with depression.

Parker was a graphic designer and fashion entrepreneur seeking employment in Atlanta.

His family said a private memorial service will be held on July 18, which would have been Parker's 24th birthday. A memorial service in New York, where Parker was born, is scheduled for August.