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Hip Hop has seen its justifiable share of tragedies. The premature deaths of a number of outstanding rappers have created a void within the music business and within the hearts of followers worldwide. Whether or not it was by a drug overdose, deadly capturing or simply being on the improper place on the improper time, these artists have been taken method too quickly — typically on the top of their careers. The passing of Nipsey Hussle, Mac Miller and Younger Dolph not solely signified a lack of expertise but additionally highlighted the often-harsh realities and challenges entertainers face within the business and of their private lives.

Rap-Up rounded up 16 rappers whose lives and careers have been minimize quick to pay tribute to their lasting legacies within the style. From pioneering artists resembling Pop Smoke and Speaker Knockerz to rising stars like Large Scarr, every had a profound influence on their followers. Their musical and philanthropic contributions to the world proceed to resonate after their deaths, reminding us of all of the misplaced potential.

1. Large Scarr

On the trail to turning into one other considered one of Memphis’ burgeoning rap stars, Big Scarr died on Dec. 22, 2022, on the age of twenty-two. His reason behind dying was later revealed to be an unintended drug overdose of prescription drugs.

Large Scarr’s profession took off after signing to Gucci Mane’s 1017 Data. His 2021 debut mixtape, Large Grim Reaper, featured collaborations with artists like Foogiano, Enchanting, Tay Keith and Pooh Shiesty. Surefire tracks like “MJ” and the Offset-assisted “Fantasy” later took place by its follow-up, Large Grim Reaper: The Return. Earlier than his premature passing, he was getting ready to place out his first studio album and go on Key Glock’s “Glockoma Tour.”

Gucci Mane expressed his grief on Instagram, posting a collection of photos of Large Scarr performing. Elsewhere, frequent collaborators like NLE Choppa, Tay Keith and BIG30 mourned the lack of the musician.

2. Pop Smoke

On Feb. 19, 2020, Pop Smoke was shot and killed throughout a house invasion in Hollywood Hills. The 20-year-old was at a rented property when 5 intruders, utilizing an tackle posted on his Instagram, entered his residence. In accordance with experiences, he was confronted within the bathe and shot a number of occasions, together with within the again. The “Welcome To The Occasion” hitmaker was pronounced lifeless at Cedars-Sinai Medical Heart. Per TMZ, in 2023, considered one of 4 males accused of the homicide acquired sentenced to 4 years in jail after pleading responsible to voluntary manslaughter.

Pop Smoke was extensively credited for catapulting New York drill rap into the mainstream. “Dior” and “Shake the Room” that includes Quavo served as a few of his earlier hits. In the meantime, the Brooklyn artist’s posthumous debut LP, Shoot For The Stars, Purpose For The Moon, was launched in July 2020. It included hit data like “What You Know Bout Love,” “Temper Swings,” “The Woo” that includes 50 Cent and Roddy Ricch, and “Received It On Me.” Pop Smoke was really on the best way to turning into a mainstay in Hip Hop.

3. Nipsey Hussle

Hussle was murdered exterior his Marathon Clothes Retailer in Los Angeles on March 31, 2019. The person accountable, Eric Holder Jr., was sentenced to 60 years in jail in 2023. The Grammy-nominated artist rose to prominence by way of mixtapes like The Marathon and Crenshaw, the latter of which JAY-Z purchased 100 copies of for $100 a chunk.

In 2018, Hussle launched his debut album, Victory Lap. It boasted pre-release singles and fan-favorites resembling “Final Time That I Checc’d” that includes YG, “Grinding All My Life” and “Rap N**fuel.” Diddy, Kendrick Lamar, Buddy, Dom Kennedy and CeeLo Inexperienced have been among the many extra options.

Hussle was survived by two kids — Emani and Kross — and his companion, actress Lauren London.

4. Juice WRLD

Juice WRLD died on Dec. 8, 2019, simply six days after his twenty first birthday, following a medical emergency at Chicago’s Halfway Worldwide Airport. He suffered a seizure throughout a federal search of his baggage and was later pronounced lifeless at a hospital.

His girlfriend revealed his Percocet use and drug downside to brokers, resulting in the administration of Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal drug. Regardless of regaining consciousness, Juice WRLD was declared lifeless on the hospital. The rapper rose to fame with SoundCloud hits like “OLD ME” and “All Ladies Are The Identical.” His $3 million Interscope Data deal was adopted by his debut album, Goodbye & Good Riddance, that includes the hit “Lucid Goals.” His second album, Loss of life Race for Love, topped the Billboard 200 chart in 2019. It boasted hit data like “Bandit” with YoungBoy By no means Broke Once more and “Theft.”

5. King Von

King Von was fatally shot on Nov. 6, 2020, exterior Atlanta’s Monaco Hookah Lounge on the age of 26. The incident occurred after a confrontation between the Chicago native’s group and that of rapper Quando Rondo. Timothy “Lul Tim” Leeks was initially charged with the killing.

After posting bond in March 2021, Leeks was anticipated to face trial. Nonetheless, on Aug. 20, 2023, his lawyer Noah Pines introduced the dismissal of all charges. It successfully ended the trial course of and introduced the investigation into Von’s dying to a standstill, with the state of Georgia closing the case.

Von’s second posthumous challenge got here out in July 2023. Spanning 17 tracks, Grandson contained collaborators from his hometown, resembling G Herbo, Polo G and Lil Durk. 42 Dugg, Tee Grizzley, Hotboii and Tink additionally made appearances.

6. Takeoff

Takeoff was killed in a capturing exterior Houston’s 810 Billiards & Bowling on Nov. 1, 2022. The artist was attending a non-public occasion along with his uncle and fellow Migos member, Quavo, when a cube recreation reportedly escalated into gunfire. Though not concerned within the dispute, Takeoff was fatally hit whereas two others have been left injured.

The Harris County health worker labeled the incident as a murder. Patrick Xavier Clark was charged with Takeoff’s homicide and launched on a $1 million bond. The rapper’s contributions to Migos included 4 albums and quite a few mixtapes. His solo album, The Final Rocket, got here out in 2018, and his collaborative LP with Quavo, Solely Constructed for Infinity Hyperlinks, debuted in October 2022.

7. Younger Dolph

Younger Dolph was shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee whereas visiting Makeda’s Home made Cookies on Nov. 17, 2021. Witnesses reported that the assailants, in a white Mercedes-Benz, opened hearth on the rapper, who was on the town for a turkey giveaway earlier than Thanksgiving. Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith have been indicted on first-degree homicide fees, pleading not responsible within the Shelby County Legal Court docket.

Born in Chicago and raised in Memphis, Dolph gained reputation with 2014’s “Preach,” adopted by his look on O.T. Genasis’ “Minimize It” in 2015. The artist additionally launched fan-favorites such because the T.I.-assisted “Foreva,” “100 Pictures,” “Play Wit Yo’ B**ch” and “Main.”

Town of Memphis honored his legacy by renaming a road Adolph “Younger Dolph” Thornton, Jr. Avenue and declaring Nov. 17 the Dolph Day of Service. The late Memphis legend left behind seven albums and several other mixtapes, together with 2021’s Dum and Dummer 2 with frequent collaborator Key Glock.

8. Mac Miller

Even years after Miller’s dying on Sept. 7, 2018, his influence on the music business and followers alike continues. The rapper died from an unintended overdose involving alcohol, cocaine and fentanyl-laced oxycodone, as reported by the LA County Coroner’s Workplace. Stephen Walter, one of many people who provided the “Weekend” hitmaker with the deadly medicine, was sentenced to 17 1/2 years in jail.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Miller gained fame within the early 2010s and was a part of the XXL Freshman Class of 2011, alongside artists like Kendrick Lamar and Meek Mill. The 12 months earlier than that, he put out Okay.I.D.S., which spawned fan-favorites resembling “Nikes On My Ft” and “The Spins.”

Miller’s closing album, Swimming, was launched simply weeks earlier than his passing and was RIAA-certified double platinum in 2023. It housed data like “Self Care” and “Come Again to Earth.” His property has preserved his legacy by vinyl releases for Faces and Macadelic (tenth Anniversary Version).

9. Speaker Knockerz

Speaker Knockerz was discovered lifeless at age 19 in his Columbia, South Carolina dwelling on March 6, 2014. The artist rose to reputation by way of hit data like “Lonely” and “Freak H**,” which collectively amassed 270 million views on YouTube.

He started his music profession as a beatmaker, producing Meek Mill’s “Tony Montana” in addition to Gucci Mane and Younger Scooter’s “Re Up.” Knockerz went on to launch a number of initiatives of his personal, together with Married to the Cash. “Cash,” “Flexin & Finessin” and his “Rico Story” trilogy have been amongst his different standout data.

It was initially reported that Knockerz had a coronary heart assault induced by a codeine syrup overdose. Nonetheless, his mom addressed hypothesis over his dying throughout a 2023 interview with the “Drea O Show.” She said, “That’s not what occurred to him.” Since his passing, artists like Soulja Boy, Kevin Gates, Lil Tecca and OhGeesy have paid homage to the late rapper.

10. XXXTENTACION

XXXTENTACION was killed throughout a theft exterior of a Deerfield Seaside, Florida automotive retailer on June 18, 2018. Three males — Michael Boatwright, Dedrick Williams and Trayvon Newsome — have been discovered responsible of first-degree homicide and armed theft. The incident occurred because the then-20-year-old artist left RIVA Motorsports, the place the assailants blocked his automobile, shot him and fled with $50,000 in money.

He rose to fame along with his 2015 viral hit “Have a look at Me,” which was RIAA-certified five-times platinum in 2023. X’s 2018 album, ?, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, with the one “SAD!” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Sizzling 100. Posthumously, the musician’s property put out Skins in December 2018 and Unhealthy Vibes Endlessly in 2019.

11. Lil Keed

Lil Keed sadly died at 24 years outdated from eosinophilia, as reported by the LA County Medical Examiner’s Workplace. In 2022, Lil Keed sought hospital care in LA for extreme abdomen ache, however his situation deteriorated with a number of organ failures, resulting in his dying.

Two years prior, the Atlanta rapper launched his second studio album, Trapped On Cleveland 3, to constructive fan reception. It housed “She Know” that includes Lil Child and “Wavy (Remix)” with Travis Scott. Extra options included Younger Thug, Quavo, Yak Gotti and Gunna. He beforehand spawned various hit data, like “Anonymous” and “HBS.”

Exterior of his solo work, Lil Keed appeared on YSL Data’ Slime Language 2 compilation. He joined forces with Large Sean on “Warrior” and Gunna on “Got here Out.”

12. PnB Rock

PnB Rock was fatally shot throughout a theft at a Roscoe’s Home of Rooster ‘N Waffles in LA on Sept. 12, 2022. Eating with girlfriend Stephanie Sibounheuang, the Philadelphia native was allegedly focused for his jewellery. Sadly, he was pronounced lifeless at a close-by hospital after being struck a number of occasions.

Freddie Lee Trone and his son have been charged in reference to the killing after the pair reportedly noticed PnB Rock coming into the eatery. Trone’s spouse can also be going through fees associated to the crime.

PnB Rock gained fame along with his 2014 mixtape, Actual N**ga Bangaz. Later, he launched “Fleek” and secured a cope with Atlantic Data quickly after. Moreover, his hit “Egocentric” reached No. 51 on the Sizzling 100 chart. In 2017, he landed on XXL’s Freshman Class alongside the likes of Ugly God, XXXTENTACION and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, to call a number of.

13. Enchanting

One other rising artist signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 Data, Enchanting died at 26 years outdated in 2024. The Texas-based rapper’s dying was dominated an unintended overdose involving oxycodone and benzodiazepines — the latter is usually prescribed for nervousness and melancholy.

Within the wake of the “Track & Field” artist’s passing, former collaborators and shut pals resembling Gloss Up, Kaliii, Monaleo and Gucci Mane himself took to social media to recollect her. Simply two years earlier, she had launched her major-label debut, No Luv, adopted by its deluxe version, Luv Scarred / No Luv, the following 12 months.

14. Foolio

Being a rapper typically means turning into a high-profile goal, and sadly, Foolio discovered himself in hurt’s method in June 2024. The Florida native was shot a number of occasions whereas celebrating his twenty sixth birthday in Tampa, with three folks struggling accidents within the course of.

In January 2025, Davion Murphy was arrested because the final suspect within the rapper’s homicide. According to investigators, he was recognized as considered one of three shooters, the opposite two being Sean Gathright and Rashad Murphy. Two extra suspects — Alicia Andrews and Isaiah Likelihood — have been additionally arrested in reference to the homicide.

Nonetheless, Foolio was no stranger to murders or makes an attempt on his life. He notably wrote, “A number of makes an attempt on my life, [but] I preserve surviving” in his announcement for Resurrection months earlier than his passing. Plus, he normally spoke quite a bit about deaths and murders in his music.

15. OG Maco

In December 2024, OG Maco passed away after spending 14 days within the hospital on account of an self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was simply 32 years outdated. His supervisor, Poppa Perc, reportedly revealed that the Georgia expertise shot himself in a suicide try.

OG Maco was one of many first artists signed to High quality Management Data and achieved large success with 2014’s “U Guessed It.” He then went on to launch data like “12 Bricks” and the Migos-assisted “F**KEMX3” earlier than touchdown on XXL’s Freshman Class checklist in 2015. The Legends Stay Endlessly r apper even based his personal label, Originality Positive aspects Greatness, which briefly signed Doja Cat.

In his life, OG Maco delt along with his justifiable share of challenges. He misplaced his eye in a near-fatal automobile accident in 2016 and was recognized with a skin-eating illness referred to as necrotizing fasciitis in 2019, which affected his face and scalp.

16. Wealthy Homie Quan

Thought to be one of many largest names in Hip Hop within the 2010s, Wealthy Homie Quan left a big mark on the style earlier than he handed at age 34. Members of the family confirmed his premature dying in September 2024, which was later attributed to an unintended overdose.

The previous Motown Data signee was most well-known for hits like “Kind of Approach,” “Way of life” and his 3x platinum-certified “Flex (Ooh, OOh, OOh).” In reality, he first rose to fame with the first-mentioned observe, which marked his first entry into the Sizzling 100 chart. The Atlanta-based expertise additionally gave us legendary initiatives like Wealthy As In Spirit and I Promise I Will By no means Cease Going In.

An inflow of artists paid tribute to the Coma creator upon the news of his death, together with Boosie Badazz Jacquees, Playboi Carti and Quavo. His father, Corey Lamar, later told WSB-TV that Quan had “simply accomplished a 20- or 25-song challenge,” and was “within the strategy of scheduling two video shoots” earlier than he handed.