Do you realise how much rap music you enjoy that is from great artists that are no longer with us?
Sure, when you think about rappers that have died, ya’ll reminisce about Tupac Shakir, Notorious B.I.G. or perhaps Big L. But the hip-hop community has lost many more talented individuals to stabbings, shootings and overdoses than you would expect.
The world of hip-hop has undoubtedly produced some of the most influential and iconic artists in the music industry. However, etched in that history is the tragic history of untimely deaths.
One can be forgiven for thinking that rapper homicides were only a big issue in the past with 90s rappers being the most prominent. But sadly, it continues to be a familiar story since then with similar numbers of notable rappers passing too soon in each decade since.
The least we can do is stop, reflect, and consider that sobering thought as it deserves a moment of our time. Lets look back, remember, and pay tribute to the lives of past rappers that have left a profound impact on the genre and their fans (in chronological order in each category).
Drugs
Substance abuse is an all too familiar story and it has taken a toll on the hip-hop community with the untimely deaths of several artists. These deaths serve as a poignant reminder of the dangers of drug addiction, as well as the need for support and resources to address substance abuse issues within the industry.
- Ol’ Dirty Bastard – November 13, 2004 (Age: 35) – Overdose of cocaine and prescription opioid tramadol
- A$AP Yams – January 18, 2015 (Age: 26) – Overdose due to mixed drug intoxication
- Mac Miller – September 7, 2018 (Age: 26) – Accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol
- Lil Bo Weep – March 5, 2022 (Age: 22) – Drug overdose and suicide
Knives
In some cases, rappers have met their end through acts of violence involving stabbings. These incidents are a grim reflection of the challenges faced by artists, even outside of the realm of shootings.
- Pavlos Fyssas – September 18, 2013 (Age: 34) – Stabbing
- Depzman – September 21, 2013 (Age: 18) – Stabbing
- Drakeo the Ruler – December 19, 2021 (Age: 28) – Stabbing
Guns
Hip-hop homicides by shootings are the biggest cause of premature deaths among rappers. These incidents have claimed an enormous number of lives amongst the rapping community, cutting short promising careers and leaving a void in the music world. The prevalence of shootings within the industry underscores the urgency of addressing violence and promoting safety among hip-hop artists and their communities.
- Scott La Rock – August 27, 1987 (Age: 25) – Shooting
- Paul C – July 17, 1989 (Age: 24) – Shooting
- Danny “D-Boy” Rodriguez – October 6, 1990 (Age: 22) – Shooting
- Charizma – December 16, 1993 (Age: 20) – Shooting
- Stretch – November 30, 1995 (Age: 27) – Shooting
- Seagram – July 31, 1996 (Age: 26) – Shooting
- Tupac Shakur – September 13, 1996 (Age: 25) – Drive-by shooting
- G-Slimm – October 13, 1996 (Age: 21) – Shooting
- Yaki Kadafi – November 10, 1996 (Age: 19) – Shooting
- The Notorious B.I.G. – March 9, 1997 (Age: 24) – Drive-by shooting
- Fat Pat – February 3, 1998 (Age: 27) – Shooting
- Big L – February 15, 1999 (Age: 24) – Shooting
- Freaky Tah – March 28, 1999 (Age: 27) – Shooting
- DJ Uncle Al – September 10, 2001 (Age: 32) – Shooting
- Jam Master Jay – October 30, 2002 (Age: 37) – Shooting
- Sabotage – January 24, 2003 (Age: 29) – Shooting
- Camoflauge – May 19, 2003 (Age: 21) – Shooting
- Half a Mill – October 24, 2003 (Age: 30) – Shooting
- Soulja Slim – November 26, 2003 (Age: 26) – Shooting
- Mac Dre – November 1, 2004 (Age: 34) – Shooting
- Blade Icewood – April 19, 2005 (Age: 28) – Shooting
- Proof – April 11, 2006 (Age: 32) – Shooting
- Big Hawk – May 1, 2006 (Age: 36) – Shooting
- VL Mike – April 20, 2008 (Age: 32) – Shooting
- Dolla – May 18, 2009 (Age: 21) – Shooting
- Lil Phat – June 7, 2012 (Age: 19) – Shooting
- MC Daleste – July 7, 2013 (Age: 20) – Shooting
- Lil Snupe – June 20, 2013 (Age: 18) – Shooting
- Doe B – December 28, 2013 (Age: 22) – Shooting
- L’A Capone – September 26, 2013 (Age: 17) – Shot and killed after leaving the studio by Lil Mick
- MOB Scrapp – June 7, 2014 (Age: 18) – Shot and killed by Lil Dee and Lil Boo
- The Jacka – February 2, 2015 (Age: 37) – Shooting
- Chinx – May 17, 2015 (Age: 31) – Shooting
- Bankroll Fresh – March 4, 2016 (Age: 28) – Shooting
- 3-2 – November 10, 2016 (Age: 44) – Shooting
- XXXTentacion – June 18, 2018 (Age: 20) – Shooting
- Jimmy Wopo – June 18, 2018 (Age: 21) – Shooting
- Smoke Dawg – June 30, 2018 (Age: 21) – Shooting
- Young Greatness – October 29, 2018 (Age: 34) – Shooting
- Pop Smoke – February 19, 2020 (Age: 20) – Shooting during home invasion
- Houdini – May 26, 2020 (Age: 21) – Shooting
- Huey – June 25, 2020 (Age: 31) – Shooting
- King Von – November 6, 2020 (Age: 26) – Shooting
- MO3 – November 11, 2020 (Age: 28) – Shooting
- Einár – October 21, 2021 (Age: 19) – Shooting
- Young Dolph – November 17, 2021 (Age: 36) – Shooting
- Snootie Wild – February 27, 2022 (Age: 36) – Shooting
- Archie Eversole – April 5, 2022 (Age: 37) – Shooting
- JayDaYoungan – July 27, 2022 (Age: 24) – Shooting
- PnB Rock – September 12, 2022 (Age: 30) – Shooting
- Takeoff – November 1, 2022 (Age: 28) – Shooting
- AKA – February 10, 2023 (Age: 35) – Shooting
- Pacho El Antifeka – June 1, 2023 (Age: 42) – Shooting
While hip-hop has undoubtedly enriched the music landscape and empowered countless individuals, it carries that black mark from tragic deaths of talented artists taken far too soon. Perhaps this is simply the culture and it’s appeal, knowing that rap music really does have it’s roots firmly planted in the streets. Nonetheless, pay homage to these rappers, rest in peace, and reflect on the broader issues surrounding their deaths and hope that the world works together towards change for a safer and more nurturing environment for future generations of hip-hop artists.
* Note: The untimely deaths of notable rappers in this list are in chronological order for each category, not popularity.
