Amazing Rappers Who've Passed Away

The world has tragically lost some of the greatest rappers of all time, entirely too soon. Most are familiar with the brutal slayings of Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac in the '90s, the overdose of Mac Miller, and the massive loss of DMX. Let us not forget some incredible talents who passed away and may not have received the same media attention. Whether they were on a path to change the course of hip-hop or become a budding entrepreneur, their lights were prematurely dimmed. 

It's been reported that the most common cause of death among hip-hop artists is homicide. Gun violence is unfortunately still a leading cause of death, killing at least one rapper per year since 2018, per CNN. Rappers like Murs and many others have even added anti-gun language in their tracks to try and bring awareness. "If shootin' is the solution then you're not that clever / If you don't know s***, then you still know better / A human life is so precious, it could never be measured" are lyrics from Murs' "Walk Like a Man."

Don't forget to "pour one out" as we remember just a few of the fallen.

Born Albert Johnson, Prodigy, one half of the rap duo Mobb Deep, had some health struggles that he shared openly. A staple in the hip-hop community since 1995 with eight studio albums (plus the compilation "The Safe Is Cracked"), Mobb Deep is best known for songs like "Quiet Storm" and "Shook Ones, Pt. II." To this day, Prodigy's death still haunts many as it could have been prevented. In 2017, it was reported that the 42-year-old choked on an egg while in the hospital being treated for sickle cell anemia. The egg blocked his airway, which caused him to choke to death.

"I'm still just f***ed up," Havoc, Prodigy's partner, told Vibe. "Like I can't even listen to 'Shook Ones' or any song. I hardly can look at the pictures because I don't know how. I don't know."

Prodigy was obviously known as an incredibly skilled and iconic rapper, but he was also an author. He published an autobiography, an urban crime novella, and even a cookbook. The cookbook was called "Commissary Kitchen: My Infamous Prison Cookbook," featuring some of the recipes he learned while in prison and his perspective on staying healthy while incarcerated. Prodigy left behind wife Ikesha Dudley and other family members.

Rapper on the rise Lil Peep (born Gustav Åhr) was only 21 years old when he was found on his tour bus after an apparent overdose of Xanax. Lil Peep hailed from Long Island and was known for combining hip-hop and emo sounds, and was even called "the future of Emo" by Pitchfork. Many couldn't quite figure out the sound he was going for, which gave him somewhat mixed reviews on music blogs.

Lil Peep had a large following overseas, especially in Russia. He told The Times, "It turned out I'm like Justin Bieber over there. I couldn't walk down the street without being mobbed. If I wanted a burger, we had to drive. It was intense. Was I pleased? More shocked. At the gigs, I watched people singing my lyrics and wondered if they even knew what they meant." The heavily tattooed artist was also considered a rising fashion icon, per GQ. In an interview with the men's magazine, he talked about his fearlessness with fashion and described his personal style. "Breaking boundaries is my main goal," he said. "I like to get weird and mix things." 

After his accidental death, fellow musicians like Diplo took to Twitter to express what a great loss this was to the hip-hop community. "Peep had so much more to do man, he was constantly inspiring me. I don't feel good man."

DMX died in April 2021, at the age of 50, after suffering a heart attack and remaining in a vegetative state. The "Ruff Ryders Anthem" rapper, born Earl Simmons, always had the most incredible fans. They made national headlines when standing outside of his White Plains, New York, hospital, crossing their arms in an 'X," symbolizing their love and support in hopes he would wake up. DMX had an extremely impressive career; he was nominated for three Grammy Awards, plus was the first musician whose first five albums debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts. Simmons even tried his hand at acting — who can forget his performance in "Belly" and "Romeo Must Die"? Simply iconic.

Growing up in Yonkers, New York, DMX became addicted to crack cocaine after being introduced at 14 by a local rapper named Ready Ron (via Hot97). What he thought was marijuana, was actually crack, and thus began his lifelong battle with addiction. "I later found out that he laced the blunt with crack," DMX told rapper Talib Kweli in an interview with "Uproxx." "Why would you do that to a child?" 

DMX left his mark on the world with his incredible story and music. DMX was also believed to have fathered 15 children that he left behind, along with fiancée Desiree Lindstrom.

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Biggie Smalls, born Christopher Wallace, in Brooklyn New York, sadly didn't live long enough to see how his music impacted so many generations. He was only 24 years old when he was gunned down in Los Angeles, in what is still considered an unsolved murder. According to the New York Post, many speculated that Marion "Suge" Knight of Death Row Records was responsible for his death.

As detailed by Biography, after several stints in jail for dealing drugs and possession of weapons, Biggie began rapping and freestyling in his Brooklyn neighborhood just for fun. He made a mixtape, and someone made sure that tape was brought to The Source magazine, eventually getting the attention of Sean Combs, aka Diddy. Combs eventually signed Biggie to Bad Boy Records, and off to the races they went, earning 4 Grammy nominations. The two remained close friends and collaborators until Biggie's death in 1997.

Everyone has a favorite Biggie song or lyric – whether you are 20 years old or 40 years old, this legendary rapper left the world his amazing musical legacy. "Birthdays was the worst days, now we sip champagne when we thirsty."