The Bridgeport community is grieving the loss of a local rapper whose family says died of complications from COVID-19.

Maurice Williams, 57, who was professionally known as Mobangem, was not just a well-known rapper - he was an outspoken advocate on human trafficking and kidney disease.

News 12 Connecticut has interviewed Williams many times over the years.

His wife, Teresa, says he contracted COVID-19 in the hospital and died on New Year's Eve.

The rapper used his platform to build awareness about human trafficking and the struggles dialysis patients go through on a daily basis.

Sen. Richard Blumental gave a posthumous honor to Williams.

Lifelong friend Otis Reese and TV producer Firan Chisolm, both of New York, say they felt privileged to work with Williams and are heartbroken by his unexpected death from COVID-19.

Chilsom will be dedicating his upcoming documentary to Williams' wife Teresa, who he says was the inspiration for some of the rapper's greatest work.