Queen Latifah has taken to social media to heap praise on the funk legend, who "passed away peacefully" following a lengthy battle with COPD.

Sly Stone died Monday after "a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues," according to a family statement.

The legendary musician, born Sylvester Stewart, was best known as the frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, the influential band that rose to prominence in the 1960s. Their career saw major chart success, and in 1993—years after the group disbanded—they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The journalist who got the late funk legend to break his decades-long silence pays tribute to his indelible message of hope — needed now more than ever.

Sly Stone, the iconic frontman of the band Sly and the Family Stone, and an influential figure in funk, soul and rock, has died at the age of 82.

Based in San Francisco, Sly and the Family Stone was responsible for some of the biggest anthems of the late ’60s and early ’70s, including “Everyday People,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” and the double A-side release “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” and “Everybody Is a Star.”

The music world mourns the loss of funk pioneer Sly Stone, who passed away at 82 after battling COPD and other health issues. His family confirmed his