Lowdown Da Sinista, birth name Cleoteris L. Farris, passed away in 2012. From what I have been able to find, the cause of death was Kidney Failure. The photo provided was from discogs, I assume it is truly him but if not, comment and let me know and I will remove it. Posted below is an interview with Hitman Hamp, who was a guest artist on Lowdown's 1996 album "Coming for your soul"
Hitman Hamp interview
http://www.ugrap.de/interviews/interview-hittman-hamp/
