Source: General / Radio One
As we close out the year, it’s commonplace to look back at the moments in music that continued to make Hip-Hop one of the most popular genres across the globe. But it’s also important that we never let the memories of those we lost this year slip away.
From producers, DJs, rappers and more, we’ve seen several big names in Hip-Hop transition in 2024. While they may no longer be here in the physical form, their contributions to the culture will not only last for decades to come but they will also be seen, felt and heard by the next wave of entertainers who draw inspiration from those who came before they did.
With that said, let’s take a quick look back at those Hip-Hop lives that we lost this past year.
1. Rich Homie Quan
Rich Homie Quan has passed from an accidental overdose at the age of 34.
According to sources, Rich Homie Quan ingested counterfeit percocets laced with Fentanyl. Rich Homie Quan’s official toxicology report has not yet been released.
Quan began his career in 2011, Lamar first saw mainstream success with his 2013 single “Type of Way”, which peaked at number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100. His 2015 single, “Flex” saw further success at number 26 on the chart.
2. Hans ‘Prime’ Dobson
Hans ‘Prime’ Dobson was best known for his time on the cultural staple ‘Rap City’—dubbed the longest-running cable music video show to feature rap music. According to All Hip Hop, Dobson passed away from after suffering from liver issues.
3. Fatman Scoop
Fatman Scoop passed away after suffering a medical emergency at a show in Connecticut, according to sources close to the hip hop legend.
Born Isaac Freeman III, Scoop was renowned for his powerful voice and dynamic presence as a hype man. He gained widespread recognition with his 1999 hit single “Be Faithful,” featuring the Crooklyn Clan. He also featured on Missy Elliott‘s hit “Lose Control,” alongside Ciara, which won a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video and was nominated for Best Rap Song. Scoop’s energetic ad-libs can also be heard on Mariah Carey‘s “It’s Like That.”
4. TJ Swan of The Juice Crew
Days before Thanksgiving, the OG Hip-Hop world mourned together as word broke that legendary Hip-Hop artist TJ Swan passed away at the young age of 57.
Known for rocking shiny silk shirts and designer Bally shoes, TJ Swan made a name for himself as part of the legendary Juice Crew which gave us Hip-Hop icons such as Roxanne Shanté, Biz Markie and Big Daddy Kane amongst many others. Taking to his own IG page to pay homage to TJ Swan, Big Daddy Kane paid respect to his Hip-Hop brother-in-arms with a video tribute of his own writing, “Rest well my good Brother!!! Rocking at a party, Shocking everybody!”
5. BeatKing
Houston rapper BeatKing known for his hard-hitting records that often became club anthems, passed away at 39.
Tasha Felder, his manager, told the Associated Press that BeatKing taken to a hospital and that he had a pulmonary embolism.
“His daughters were with him the entire time,” Felder said. “It is truly sad, we loved him so much.”
Affectionately known as “Club God” and the Uncle Luke of Texas, BeatKing served as a major sound influencer on the club and nightlife scene in Houston and beyond.
6. Foolio
Charles Andrew Jones II, best known to rap fans as Foolio, died on June 23, 2024, in the late night after his 26th birthday. Jones was gunned down and three other men were wounded after three people armed with a pistol and two rifles opened fire on them in the parking lot of a Holiday Inn in Tampa, Florida.
7. DJ Mister Cee
Born in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, in the late 80’s Mister Cee came to fame as Big Daddy Kane’s DJ, who he met while in high school. As part of the Juice Crew, Cee was there on Kane’s seminal debut album Long Live The Kane, featuring on a song called “Mister Cee’s Master Plan” with his expert cutting and scratching throughout the album.
But perhaps even more notable is that Cee is credited with discovering late, great rapper the Notorious B.I.G. Cee was among the first to co-sign the then local rap phenom before appearing in The Source magazine’s Unsigned Hype section.
8. Chino XL
Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, best known to Hip Hop fans as lyrical rapper Chino XL, died at his home by suicide through ligature hanging on July 28, 2024. He was 50 years old.
Respected for his lyrical ability, Chino dropped a series of albums and also found work as an actor. A quick IMDB search lists 2002’s Barrio Wars, Gang Wars and the 2003 film Alex & Emma among his film credits.
On television, XL appeared on the Comedy Central series Reno 911!, Zane’s Sex Chronicles and the long-running day time soap opera, The Young & The Restless.
More recently he collaborated with iconic rapper Rakim on new music.
9. Saafir The Saucee Nomad
Saafir, whose real name was Reggie Gibson, had a notable music career as a rapper, producer, and actor. He first gained attention as a member of the Hobo Junction collective, known for its sharp lyricism and battle rap skills. His discography includes several albums such as “Boxcar Sessions” (1994), “The Hit List” (1999), and “Good Game: The Transition” (2006). Saafir appeared in the cult-classic film “Menace II Society” (1993), where he played the role of Harold Lawson. He was also featured on the film’s soundtrack.
No cause of death was released, though Saafir had been struggling with various health issues for quite a while leading up to his death.
10. Chubbie Baby
Artist, producer, executive and all-around mover and shaker in the Hip-Hop world Chubbie Baby passed away on November 10, 2024. While the details surrounding this passing have not been publicly revealed, several celebs including Gunna, Keri Hilson, and others took to social media to express sorrow over his passing.
Notable tracks from his time in music include “Oh Yeah,” “Leanin’ Low,” “Hardtimes,” “Model Thug,” “Hood Like a Zoo,” “Diplomat,” and “Transformer,” among others.
11. DJ Clark Kent
A true Hip Hop icon, DJ Clark Kent passed away at the age of 58 from colon cancer, according to his wife, Kesha Franklin.
A statement from the family read ” It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of the beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, known to the world as DJ Clark Kent. Clark passed away Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio. Clark quietly and valiantly fought a three year battle with Colon Cancer, while continuing to share his gifts with the world. The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support and prayers during this time and ask for privacy as they process this immense loss.”
12. Rico Wade
Rapper Killer Mike spoke on the passing of Wade on social media, saying “I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss. I am Praying for your wife and Children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all.
I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without ya’ll.
This is a part of the journey. You told me “It ain’t been hard throughout the journey, it’s been a Journey.” The journey ain’t gonna be the Same Journey with U. Like U say tho Umma “Stay Down on it”……we all are.”
13. Boss
Boss, stylized Bo$$, was the very first female rap act signed to Def Jam, with her debut album, Born Gangstaz, released in 1993. The lead single—the Def Jef produced “Deeper”—was a no. 1 hit on the rap charts. Her gruff style and hardcore delivery, along with beats provided by Erick Sermon, T-Ray, MC Serch, and the late Jam Master Jay, amongst others, quickly made her a fan favorite, but a proper follow-up album never materialized.
Although tabbed as a West Coast rapper, she was born in Detroit. Moving to Los Angeles after high school, she was discovered by DJ Quik, who put her on a track with AMG. Word is it got the attention of Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons, who inked her to the label’s fledgling Def Jam West imprint—but those in the know say Tracy Waples (an executive producer on the album) is who pushed for her signing.
14. DJ Casper
Music fans got some sad news in early August 7 as word broke that DJ Casper, the Chicago native who birthed an international dance craze with the “Cha Cha Slide,” has passed away. He was 58 years old.
Born Willie Perry Jr, Casper had been diagnosed with kidney and liver cancer in 2016. His time in the limelight began with the “Cha Cha Slides” released in 2000. The record, which was accompanied by a dance, topped music charts in the United States and abroad. Even twenty years later, the track remains a popular song of choice at parties, celebrations, and sporting events.
15. OG Maco
Two weeks after being criticallyinjured by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Rapper O.G. Maco died at the age of 32.
Maco, born Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr. Was one of the breakout stars of Quality Control Records with his hit “U Guessed It” which featured a remix with 2 Chainz and entered the Billboard Hot 100. Maco eventually signed to Quality Control Music and was chosen as part of XXL magazine’s 2015 Freshman Class alongside artists DeJ Loaf, Fetty Wap, GoldLink, and Vince Staples.
16. Brother Marquis of 2 Live Crew
Hip-Hop is mourning the loss of another OG in the game, as iconic rap group 2 Live Crew confirmed the passing of member Mark Ross a.k.a. Brother Marquis.
The rapper passed away on Monday, June 3, according to a post on the group’s official social media account. The caption simply states that Ross “has went to the upper room.”
Although not an original member of the crew, Brother Marquis helped cement the group’s place in hip-hop infamy, along with DJ Mr. Mixx, the late Fresh Kid Ice, and Luke “Skyywalker” Campbell.
17. Enchanting
Once signed to Gucci Mane’s label, is was reported that Enchanting was in critical condition from a suspected overdose that led to her untimely passing.
18. DJ Polo
Born Shawn Brown, DJ Polo (Right) became a prominent figure in the legendary Juice Crew, a hip-hop collective assembled by Marley Marl and the renowned radio personality Mr. Magic. This supergroup included celebrated artists like Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, MC Shan, and Roxanne Shanté, among others. Polo, alongside rapper Kool G Rap, formed a duo and unveiled the seminal album “Road to the Riches” in 1989. They also produced the albums “Wanted: Dead or Alive” in 1990 and “Live and Let Die” in 1992.