Hip-Hop Legend Eric B.'s Daughter Dies At Age 28

Eric Barrier, known commercially as "Eric B.," is a hip-hop icon who rose to fame in the '80s. The artist formed the musical duo "Eric B. and Rakim" with William Michael "Rakim" Griffin Jr. in 1986, and some of their hits include "I Ain't No Joke," "I Know You Got Soul, and "Paid in Full." Although the musicians' act was dissolved in 1992, the two later reunited for a highly-anticipated tour in 2017. "Me and him didn't have a problem. We had a business problem," Rakim told Rolling Stone about their extended break. " The business, it went bad and that's why the group broke up. We never had a fight before. I never swung at him; he never swung at me. ... It was never, never that."

It's clear Eric B. has enjoyed a lot of success in his life and is still revered by many in the hip-hop community. Sadly, the artist's impressive legacy isn't what's making headlines today. That's because his beloved daughter, Erica Supreme Barrier, died at age 28 on March 16, 2020. The hip-hop legend's spokesperson, Alvina Alston, confirmed the news with media outlet Sister 2 Sister 2.0 (via People).

Erica Barrier was the victim of a terrible car crash in Connecticut on March 15, 2020. Connecticut state police confirmed to Page Six that the 28-year-old was driving along on I-91 in her Mini Cooper Countryman around 1 a.m. when she "stopped in the center lane" and an oncoming truck "was unable to stop in time and impacted the rear" of her car. Eric B.'s daughter was transported to Hartford Hospital after the event, while the driver of the truck didn't have any injuries. "Investigators are still piecing together the exact cause of the crash," Sister 2 Sister 2.0 reported before Erica's passing. "Barrier is suffering from severe neck and spine fractures, among her many life-threatening injuries. The family is at her bedside and asking for your prayers."

Eric B. didn't reveal further details surrounding the crash, although he did have a message for the other driver. "This was an unfortunate vehicular accident that claimed her life, however, and it's also crucial that we pray for the other driver involved," he said in a statement to Sister 2 Sister 2.0 (via Page Six). "Our hearts also go out to him and his family as we hold no ill will in our hearts for those involved."

It's difficult to imagine what Eric B. is going through right now, although he did shed some light on his feelings in an emotional statement shared with Sister 2 Sister 2.0. "She fought a valiant fight, however, we TRUST GOD & HIS ultimate decision to bring her home," he said. "We want to sincerely thank everyone from around the world for the outpouring of support and love during this difficult time." The hip-hop legend added, "Please continue to keep our family in prayer as we now prepare to lay Erica to rest ... Again, we accept GOD's will and want to sincerely thank the good samaritans, first responders and impeccable medical staff who cared for our daughter."

After the fatal crash, Eric B. shared a sweet video of Erica giving him a hug on stage at one of his concerts. "My daughter, Erica," the proud dad said in the clip. "She thinks she's my twin and my boss." Many people shared their condolences in the post's comments section, with rapper Remy Ma writing, "Prayers and blessings from our family to yours." Someone else said, "Sorry for your loss. Focus on all the good memories."

Despite whatever might have gone down between Eric B. and Rakim, it's clear they have respect and love for each other. "It's just like any band. We started out as kids, so first and foremost, we're family and brothers," Eric B. told Rolling Stone about their strong bond. "I can go not talking to my brother for a year or two years and he's still my brother. ... Regardless to what you hear or what we go through, we're still family." Rakim backed up his collaborator's sentiments when he shared a Facebook post in honor of Erica Barrier's life, writing, "Deepest of condolences to my brother Eric B. and all of the extended family... his daughter Erica passed on after sustaining injuries in an automobile accident. Erica was the brightest of stars and while we miss her physical form greatly, we will celebrate her life and her energy eternally. Please put a blessing in the air."

Our thoughts go out to Erica's family during this tough time, and to all the other celebs who've lost a child.