Phonte, MC Hammer, Kimora Simmons React
6:00AM ET June 18th, 2012
Contributor : Chris G.
A Rocky Williform Company

Rodney King, the man who's vicious beating at the hands of Los Angeles Police Department officers sparked a national conversation about police brutality in the early 1990s, was found dead in a swimming pool yesterday (June 17th.) King's beating and the resulting trial of the police officers involved--which ended with an acquittal--directly led to the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. King became the unwilling poster child for police brutality in America.

"Preliminary indications are that this is a drowning with no signs of foul play," said the Rialto, CA police department via statement.

Many notables reacted to the shocking news via Twitter.

"RIP Rodney King," tweeted Masta Ace, with Kimora Lee Simmons and Waka Flocka Flame echoing those sentiments.

"Hearing police say that no foul play was involved in Rodney King's death makes me give the side-eye to end all side-eyes," tweeted Phonte. "I found no humor in the death of the man who symbolized the cries of the community against rogue law enforcement," added Hammer. "RIP Rodney King."