JOHN SINGLETON DEAD AT 51

4:01 PM PT - Ice Cube, who featured in "Boyz n the Hood" just gave us an emotional statement on John's passing, saying, "Thank you John for being my friend, brother and mentor for a long time. For believing in me when I was unsure of myself. Your passion for telling our accounts from our point of view was in excess of an obsession, it was your mission throughout everyday life."

Cube continues, "Your adoration for the dark experience was contagious and I could never be the man I am without knowing you. On April 29, 1992 you were on television warning the world what was to come. I'm miserable today, cause on this April 29th who will warn the world what's to come. I cherish you and miss you as of now brother."

"Boyz n the Hood" was Cube's first significant job in film.

John Singleton, the primary African American nominated for a Foundation Grant for Best Executive - whose finished vocation spanned nearly three decades in Hollywood - has kicked the bucket ... TMZ has learned.

A Singleton family rep says he passed "gently, surrounded by his family and friends." The news comes over seven days after the celebrated executive endured a gigantic stroke. As we previously announced ... John's mother, Shelia Ward, recorded lawful docs asking the judge to appoint her transitory conservator since he was "unable to legitimately accommodate his personal needs for physical wellbeing, nourishment, clothing, or safe house." He had been in a state of insensibility in ICU at the Cedars-Sinai Restorative Center in L.A.

The "Boyz n the Hood" chief endured the stroke 12 days back in the wake of returning from Costa Rica and experiencing issues with his legs. He took a look at himself into Cedars where he endured a stroke on April 17 in his emergency clinic room.

John coordinated 9 films ... including "Lovely Justice," "Higher Learning," "Four Brothers" and "2 Quick 2 Incensed." He additionally has a few prominent maker credits to his name ... including the widely praised movie "Hustle and Stream." He co-made the FX hit arrangement "Snowfall" and coordinated scenes of "The General population v. O.J. Simpson: American Wrongdoing Story" just as "Realm" and "Billions."

John's blasted to fame came only 2 years after he moved on from USC. He was only 24 years of age when he made his directorial debut ... and the world noticed, earning him an Oscar nomination in 1992 for Best Executive. He additionally earned a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

He vigorously protected the task through and through ... only allowing the 'Breakfast Club' chief John Hughes to peruse his content. Brought up in South Central L.A. and combined with the reality 'Boyz' was set in a similar region - John would not let anyone else direct his movie.

The move satisfied ... since in 2002 it was chosen for preservation in the National Film Library.

John's family stated, "In the same way as other African Americans, Singleton discreetly battled with hypertension. Over 40% of African American men and women have hypertension, which likewise grows prior throughout everyday life and is generally progressively extreme. His family wants to impart the message to all to please recognize the side effects by going to Heart.org."

The family likewise uncovered something we didn't know. He kayaked in Marina del Rey each morning. They likewise said his most noteworthy delight other than making motion pictures was sailing his pontoon, J's Fantasy, all over the Pacific Coast.

The family included, "We who have grown up with John, made motion pictures with him, cruised with John and chuckled with John, know the universe of quiet and innovativeness he made for so many. Now in the wake of his demise, we should navigate the tempest without him. It is, for us, heartbreaking."

John was hitched only once ... to Ghanaian entertainer Akosua Gyamama Busia in October 1996. They separated from a year later. He's made due by his mother and 7 children.

John was 51.

RIP