Tag: rip

Categories
FM Culture Trending

Gangsta Boo Dead at 43, Believed to be Drug Overdose

Gangsta Boo
via Getty Images

   Memphis legend Gangsta Boo tragically died on Sunday (Jan 1) just after celebrating New Years’ Eve in her hometown.

A Stunning Update

Gangsta Boo, real name Lola Mitchell, was a standout member of Three 6 Mafia and a pioneer in female rap. The 43-year-old was found dead on her front porch around 4 pm, Jan 1. Sources close to Gangsta Boo personally are now claiming the cause of death to be drug-related.

An update from TMZ yesterday is only adding to the talk of an overdose. According to their report, Mitchell was attending a NYE concert with her brother the previous night. At some point, the man overdosed and was rushed to the hospital. Luckily her sibling recovered, but the same can’t be said for Gangsta Boo. It appears the New Years’ celebration continued at Boo’s home, where she eventually suffered from some kind of medical emergency.

Sources in contact with TMZ insist that narcotics were found on her upon police arrival. In addition to this, fentanyl is believed to be a factor in her sudden passing. Nonetheless, an official autopsy has yet to be conducted or released at this time.

Showing Respect to Gangsta Boo

The ‘Throw It Up’ artist was confirmed dead by her friend and former labelmate DJ Paul on Instagram. The Three 6 Mafia alumni posted a captionless photo of Boo with an outpouring of rap industry icons showing love in the comments. Rap heavyweights like Ludacris, Lil Jon, Big Boi, and Paul Wall left their condolences for one of the brightest stars to come out of Memphis.

Gangsta Boo is primarily known for being one of the only female members of Three 6 Mafia. The group emerged during a time when female rappers were already few and far in between. Despite this,  she always held her own off and on the track.

Gangsta Boo, along with DJ Paul, Juicy J, La Chat, Project Pat, Crunchy Black, and several others, formed Three 6 Mafia in the early ’90s and quickly began gaining notoriety throughout the south with their debut album Mystic Stylez. Overnight this turned to national acclaim with the group’s breakout hit ‘Tear Da Club Up’ and ‘Late Night Tip’. All of this culminated in a groundbreaking achievement in 2006 when Three 6 Mafia became the first hip-hop group to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song with ‘It’s Hard out Here for a Pimp’. That record, and the hit movie Hustle n Flow from which it originated, helped bring the group into a huge spotlight.

An Artist All Her Own

Of course, Gangsta Boo’s legacy extends outside of Three 6 Mafia. Before leaving the group in the early 2000s, her solo music had already gained praise and respect from her peers. Namely, ‘Where Dem Dollas at’, ‘Love Don’t Live’, and ‘Nasty Trick’ effectively made Boo one to watch out for amongst her male peers. She continued to drop albums throughout the 2000s and into the 2010s, including Enquiring Minds Il – The Soap Opera, 4 da Hood, Witch, and Underground Cassette Tape Music, Vol. 1 and 2. During all this, Boo racked up countless features with rap’s biggest names like Outkast, TI, and Gucci Mane. Most often, she would collaborate with Killer Mike of Run The Jewels and close friend La Chat.

Gangsta Boo never stopped making music, right up until her death. Just last year she collaborated with Glorilla and Latto on ‘FTCU’ and perfectly matched both the southern hitmakers’ energy. And that’s no coincidence. The confidence, boldness, and rough flow coined by Gangsta Boo and other Memphis rappers in the 90s served as a massive inspiration for the female artists that followed. With so many successful female MCs recently coming from down south, Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, Glorilla, and Flo Milli just to name a few, it’s safe to say Gangsta Boos’s legacy will always carry on.

Not to mention remaining members of Three 6 Mafia like La Chat, Juicy J and DJ Paul using social media to carry a torch for their late friend. Support and give condolences below.

Dreema Carrington

Categories
Trending

Aaron Carter Did Not Leave Behind a Will

aaron carter
Singer/rapper Aaron Carter (via official Facebook)

Since Aaron Carter passed without a will, it’s up to the state of California to choose who inherits his estate.

According to a TMZ report, Carter ignored previous advice to make a will in light of his son’s birth last year.

Apparently, things between Aaron and his child’s mother Melanie had gotten extremely hectic before his death. Affairs were so bad the L.A. County Dept. of Children and Family Services had to step in and remove the infant from their home. Since then, the 11-month-old Prince has been staying with Melanie’s mother.

Tragically, Aaron Carter passed away unexpectedly last week. In many states including California, the child automatically gets their parent’s estate if no will is left behind. Due to this, it’s highly unlikely Prince will have to battle anyone for his inheritance.

Aaron Stayed Hopeful

Unfortunately, Carter wasn’t doing great financially before his death. Despite his active music career, A source informed TMZ he was living check to check and spent money recklessly. But all hope isn’t lost for Prince. Since Carter’s home is currently on the market, his son could potentially receive the earnings from that sale.

Just before his death, Carter seemed optimistic about his life and career according to his manager Taylor Helgeson. He shared the singer’s last texts to The U.S Sun, in which he showed excitement for his recent music. “‘Bro, these songs are amazing,” and “‘This is definitely a Grammy!’ He typed. Helgeson claims his client’s upcoming project was meant to “take accountability” for his long history of drug abuse. Sadly this never came to fruition.

The cause of Aaron Carter’s death still hasn’t been released by California police.

RELATED STORIES:

Inside Haunting 911 Call After Aaron Carter is Found Dead

Aaron Carter Passed Away But His Legacy Remains

Written By: Dreema Carrington

Follow and like FMHipHop on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Trending Updates

Coolio Reportedly ‘Happy And In Good Health’ Days Before Death

Coolio’s untimely death comes as a shock to fans who met and interacted with him a week before. TMZ posted photos taken by fans that show the rapper in seemingly good health. The photos and videos of Coolio were taken last Friday as he traveled through the Houston airport.

The pictures show Coolio laughing and engaging with fans, giving no indication of the cardiac issues which caused his death. Per TMZ, the Compton native even invited a fan and her friends to his show later that night. Coolio even went so far as to get the women on the VIP list. However, the woman and her friends ended up not attending what turned out to be Colloio’s last live performance.

coolio
Coolio on stage with Vanilla Ice in what turned out to be his final live performance in Cypress, Texas. (Photo by Rob Grabowski/Invision)

 

The death of Coolio

The rapper passed away Wednesday afternoon at a friend’s house in Los Angeles. According to his friend, he went into the bathroom but never came out. His friend called 911 and paramedics attempted to revive him for 45 minutes, but it was too late.

Police say that no drugs were found at the scene of Coolio’s death. An autopsy and toxicology test will be conducted to determine the official cause of death. Coolio’s manager, Sheila Finegan, issued a statement to CNN regarding his death.

“We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon,” she told the news agency. “He touched the world with the gift of his talent and will be missed profoundly. Thank you to everyone who has listened to his music and to everyone who has been reaching out regarding his passing. Please have Coolio’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”

Coolio was best known for his 1995 smash hit “Gangsta’s Paradise”, which earned him his first Grammy for Best Rap Performance. Though he hadn’t made any headlines recently, his tragic passing leaves his family, friends and fans wondering as to the cause.

Written by Olan Bryant

 

Categories
Trending

The Hip-Hop World Mourns Bruno “Pop N Taco” Falcon

bruno falcon
via Facebook @Bruno "Pop n Taco Falcon

The iconic choreographer Bruno “Pop N Taco” Falcon has tragically died. Take a look at his impressive career and long-lasting influences.

Bruno’s Prestige

According to Falcon’s sister Diana Wolgamott and a TMZ report, the West Coast breakdancer passed on this Saturday (Jul. 2) inside his residence. It is believed Bruno died of a heart attack. Currently, his death is considered of natural causes and no official autopsy will be performed.

Bruno Falcon is most known for his prolific work with Michael Jackson. However, even before adding the king of pop to his resume, he spent the entire 80s and 90s pioneering his own style. “Locking,” which can be seen in hip-hop dancers today, was perfected and popularized by Bruno. He truly cemented his status with the 1984 movie “Breakin” in which he starred as Electro Rock 1. The cult classic film also featured Ice T and Micheal Chambers.

Clearly, Ice T held the film experience close to his heart. He reacted to the news of Bruno’s untimely passing on Twitter the following day. The “Colors” rapper responded to a fan, who asked if he heard about the sad news. “Yep, just got a text. He was [too] young. Smh.”He typed.

Making His Mark

Following his role in “Breakin”, Falcon went on to star in other classics like “Moonwalker and Bill” and “Teds Bogus Journey.” Speaking of “Moonwalker,” the musical film put Bruno alongside Michael Jackson on the big screen for the first time. The dancing duo had a close-knit relationship. They played off each other flawlessly professionally and personally. “Smooth criminal” is perhaps his most iconic work. since 1987 fans have been recreating that lean move, and Falcon is the man responsible. Aside from this, he served as Micheal’s choreographer for his HIStory tour. It’s no exaggeration to say he had a hand in the imagery that sculpted Micheal Jackson’s career.

In addition to his accomplishments with Micheal, Bruno has worked with Chaka Khan, Janet Jackson, and Latoya Jackson. Obviously, Micheal made sure to give a glowing review to his siblings.

Bruno “Pop N Taco” Falcon was 58 years old.

Also, Follow FM Hip Hop on Instagram and Facebook

Dreema Carrington|IG: @dr3amgirl79 | Twitter: @notdreema

Categories
Updates

Pop Smoke’s Mom and Brother Discuss Posthumous ‘Faith’ Album

Audrey and Obasi Jackson, the mother and brother or the late Pop Smoke, sat down with Angie Martinez for an interview in the wake of Pop’s recent posthumous release, ‘Faith.’ If you listened to the project, you’ll instantly recognize Mrs. Jackson’s voice as she provides the intro to the album.

Pop Smoke's brother and his mother
Audrey and Obasi Jackson accepting Pop Smoke’s Billboard Awards

Given that Angie Martinez had a special interview with Pop shortly before his passing, she’s the perfect host to interview the pair. Their chemistry over the table brings out some great love and stories about Pop from his family. One of the most interesting feelings revealed is that his mother admits she hasn’t listened to ‘Shoot For the Stars, Aim For the Moon,’ his first posthumous album, due to how close to his passing it was.

With that, Mrs. Jackson says she feels comfortable listening to ‘Faith.’ In many senses, she says its “easier” to hear her son on this project. To her, its less intertwined with his passing while also just sounding more like the voice of her son that she recognizes. It feels more celebratory than grieving, a sentiment that she prefers and needs to feel at this point since his passing.

old picture of Pop Smoke and his brother
Obasi and Bashar (Pop Smoke)

Mrs. Jackson and Obasi also share how important music always was to Pop. Obasi mentions that he was never surprised by his brother’s interest in the music, since he saw the music in him ever since he was 10 years old.

Beyond the music, the Jacksons express their peace in Bashar’s killers being in prison. While they of course miss him tremendously, they acknowledge that there is no equal punishment for his killers, but their imprisonment is enough to for the Jacksons to sleep a little better.

“I can’t live in the anger, because it doesn’t serve a purpose”

When Martinez asks is they still feel angry, Mrs. Jackson says she’s a lot more disappointed and hurt to not see him become a man. Obasi admits to his anger but understands he has to stay strong for his mom. While we can continue to celebrate Pop Smoke, his passing is an eternal wound.

Click here to donate to the foundation in his honor!

Pop Smoke
R.I.P. Pop Smoke PC: Bertrand Rindoff Petroff

Written by Jason Heilbronner | Twitter: @JasonHeilbronn1 

Categories
FM News Updates

Late Rapper MF DOOM Receives Honorary Street Sign in Long Beach, NY

Late rapper MF DOOM
AVclub

MC MF DOOM leaves his mark

Acclaimed MC MF DOOM, who passed on Halloween of last year, will receive the posthumous honor of having a street named after him in his hometown of Long Beach, NY. The Mask-wearing rapper – born Daniel Dumile – had a storied career in the hip-hop world, beginning in the early ‘90s. Among his many accomplishments and inspirational endeavors, DOOM was also an integral part of Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim family.

“Dumile left an indelible mark on hip hop (and the larger music universe),” the City of Long Beach posted. Both through his solo work and with the group KMD, [and] his passing is being mourned the world over,” they continued. “With tributes coming from artists as diverse as Busta Rhymes and Thom Yorke.”

Late rapper MF DOOM
RevoltTV

Dr. Patrick C. Graham, who attended Long Beach High School with Dumile, established a petition to rename the particular street, which sits on one block of East Hudson Street and is located between Riverside Boulevard and Long Beach Road. The street – KMD-MF DOOM WAY – is adjacent to where Dumile grew up.

“I’m just happy this is happening,” Graham said. “Because it’s not only a victory for Dumile’s legacy, but it’s also about showing that community our [particular] generation.”

May you rest in peace, Daniel Dumile (DOOM).

Be sure to check out Sharon Garza’s article on Lil Kim!

Written by Shane Farias | Instagram: @shanefbomb | Twitter: @shanefbomb

Categories
Updates

Blackalicious MC Gift of Gab Passes Away at Age 50

With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Timothy Jerome Parker, best known as Gift of Gab. After fighting Kidney issues since 2014 and receiving a transplant in 2020, Parker passed away on on June 18, 2021.

gift of gab
PC: Al Pereira

As the MC of the duo, Blackalicious, Gab was a true product of the game. A king of the underground, Gab seamlessly assembled complex rhyme schemes and wordplays into his extremely talented flowing abilities. The most famous example is his excellent spitting on ‘Alphabet Aerobics.’  With Blackalicious DJ Chief Xcel, the duo put out four LPs, including the terrific ‘Blazing Arrow.’  Gab also dropped three solo projects and boasted numerous collaborations with other underground hip-hop groups.

gift of gab
Blackalicious in effect!

Despite solo success, Gab planned tours with Blackalicious for the coming years, now a true heartbreak to his many fans. However, on a positive note, one of his representatives announced that Gab has over 100 tracks laid down for future Blackalicious releases. We know that those will be treated with extreme care before release, so we eagerly, but patiently await their arrival.

The legendary DJ Shadow took to Instagram to put out a message celebrating Gab and all of his achievements. Shadow touches on Gab’s brilliant rapping abilities but even more, focuses on what a treat he was to be around. With Shadow’s extensive work over the years, it’s a big deal to crown Gab as “the most preternaturally gifted MC [he’s] ever worked with.”

gift of gab
Gab killing it on stage. PC: Getty Images

While it’s so hard to say goodbye, we’re happy that Gift of Gab is finally at peace. With a bevy of future posthumous releases to come and an avalanche of already released work, we’ll be celebrating this legend until infinity. Rest in peace Gab.

Jason Heilbronner | Twitter: @JasonHeilbronn1