Nashawn Breedlove (left), with Eminem in the movie "8 Mile" (Credit: Eli Reed/Universal Studios/Alamy Stock Photo)

(CNN) -- Rapper Nashawn Breedlove, best known for appearing in a rap battle against Eminem in the 2002 film "8 Mile," has died at age 46.

His mother, Patricia Breedlove, confirmed his death in a Facebook post Tuesday.

"It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of my beloved son Nashawn Breedlove. Many of you knew him by his alias 'Lotto, OX,' a name that echoed his resilience and determination," he wrote.

"Nashawn was a rapper, singer, songwriter and actor. No one could deny his talent," the post continues.

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Breedlove said her son was "an extraordinary man" whose "departure from this world has left an immense void in my life, one that words cannot fully express."

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It's unclear how Breedlove died, but his death drew tributes from other music industry figures.

"RIP or one of the few emcee's that has surpassed Eminem... 8 Mile lotto, whose friends lovingly called him OX," rapper Mickey Factz wrote in an Instagram post, referring to the scene in the film where he competes in a rap battle against Eminem's character.

"You will be missed for your tenacity and aggressiveness," he added.